FSEP vs GFEB
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - February
Which is better, FSEP or GFEB?
FSEP has been ahead.
FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | GFEB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $375M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.52%Best | +8.76% |
| 1Y Return | +14.29%Best | +11.72% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18%Best | +13.19% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.9% | 6.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -9.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $16,529Best | $15,492 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Feb 17, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 21, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.6 years).
FSEP vs GFEB 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 3.6 years both funds cover.
FSEP vs GFEB 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 - February (GFEB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while GFEB returned +11.72%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a gain of 8.76% for GFEB.
Over three years, FSEP compounded at +15.18% per year against +13.19% for GFEB. Across the full 4-year window we track, FSEP has the edge at +14.98% annualized vs +12.93%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.9% compared with 6.1% for GFEB. 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 -9.6% for GFEB. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSEP charges 0.85% per year while GFEB 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 GFEB.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and GFEB 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 GFEB?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GFEB charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FSEP or GFEB?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs +11.72% for GFEB, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FSEP annualized +14.98% vs +12.93% for GFEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSEP or GFEB?
FSEP has been the more volatile fund at 7.9% annualized versus 6.1% for GFEB. Worst drawdown: FSEP -12.4% vs GFEB -9.6%.
Should I hold both FSEP and GFEB?
FSEP and GFEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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, FSEP or GFEB?
FSEP yields 0.00% while GFEB yields 0.00%, so GFEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GFEB better than FSEP?
FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.