FMAR vs XSEP
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, FMAR or XSEP?
FMAR has been ahead.
FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMAR | XSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.2B | $100M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 12 |
| YTD Return | +13.39%Best | +7.30% |
| 1Y Return | +16.31%Best | +9.65% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.66%Best | +9.88% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.74% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 5.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -9.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.1 years | $17,869Best | $15,182 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Sep 21, 2022 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 22, 2022 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.1 years).
FMAR vs XSEP growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.1 years both funds cover.
FMAR vs XSEP Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - September (XSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FMAR returned +16.31% while XSEP returned +9.65%. Year to date, FMAR is up 13.39% versus a gain of 7.30% for XSEP.
Over three years, FMAR compounded at +14.66% per year against +9.88% for XSEP. Across the full 4-year window we track, FMAR has the edge at +15.21% annualized vs +10.72%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.2% compared with 5.0% for XSEP. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -12.4% for FMAR and -9.2% for XSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAR charges 0.85% per year while XSEP charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for XSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMAR and XSEP you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FMAR or XSEP?
FMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while XSEP charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FMAR or XSEP?
Over the past year FMAR returned +16.31% vs +9.65% for XSEP, so FMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FMAR annualized +15.21% vs +10.72% for XSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMAR or XSEP?
FMAR has been the more volatile fund at 7.2% annualized versus 5.0% for XSEP. Worst drawdown: FMAR -12.4% vs XSEP -9.2%.
Should I hold both FMAR and XSEP?
FMAR and XSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAR or XSEP?
FMAR yields 0.00% while XSEP yields 0.00%, so XSEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XSEP better than FMAR?
FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.