FSEP vs GAPR
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April
Which is better, FSEP or GAPR?
FSEP has been ahead.
FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
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 | FSEP | GAPR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $298M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.52%Best | +6.91% |
| 1Y Return | +14.29%Best | +9.03% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18%Best | +11.25% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.1% | 4.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -9.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.5 years | $16,206Best | $14,418 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Apr 21, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 24, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.5 years).
FSEP vs GAPR 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 3.5 years both funds cover.
FSEP vs GAPR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April (GAPR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while GAPR returned +9.03%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a gain of 6.91% for GAPR.
Over three years, FSEP compounded at +15.18% per year against +11.25% for GAPR. Across the full 4-year window we track, FSEP has the edge at +14.79% annualized vs +11.02%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.1% compared with 4.8% for GAPR. 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 FSEP and -9.0% for GAPR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSEP charges 0.85% per year while GAPR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FSEP currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GAPR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and GAPR 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, FSEP or GAPR?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GAPR charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FSEP or GAPR?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs +9.03% for GAPR, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FSEP annualized +14.79% vs +11.02% for GAPR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSEP or GAPR?
FSEP has been the more volatile fund at 8.1% annualized versus 4.8% for GAPR. Worst drawdown: FSEP -12.4% vs GAPR -9.0%.
Should I hold both FSEP and GAPR?
FSEP and GAPR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSEP or GAPR?
FSEP yields 0.00% while GAPR yields 0.00%, so GAPR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GAPR better than FSEP?
FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.