FSEP vs HDGE
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF
Which is better, FSEP or HDGE?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
FSEP has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.72, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | HDGE |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 3.62% |
| AUM | $1.4B | $56M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.56% |
| Holdings | 10 | 64 |
| YTD Return | +11.52%Best | -3.65% |
| 1Y Return | +14.29%Best | -2.84% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18%Best | -9.93% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70%Best | -6.86% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.6%Best | 23.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.8%Best | -65.5% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,624Best | $7,009 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Advisor Shares |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (6.1 years).
FSEP vs HDGE 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 6.1 years both funds cover.
FSEP vs HDGE Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF (HDGE) is an ETF from Advisor Shares. Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while HDGE returned -2.84%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a loss of 3.65% for HDGE.
Over three years, FSEP compounded at +15.18% per year against -9.93% for HDGE; over five years the annualized figures are +10.70% and -6.86% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FSEP has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs -14.37%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% compared with 9.6% for FSEP. 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 -13.8% for FSEP and -65.5% for HDGE. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.72. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSEP charges 0.85% per year while HDGE charges 3.62%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $362 annually, a gap of $277 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSEP currently yields 0.00% against 3.56% for HDGE.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and HDGE 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 HDGE?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while HDGE charges 3.62%. FSEP is the cheaper option, by $277 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSEP or HDGE?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs -2.84% for HDGE, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FSEP annualized +11.63% vs -14.37% for HDGE. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSEP or HDGE?
HDGE has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 9.6% for FSEP. Worst drawdown: FSEP -13.8% vs HDGE -65.5%.
Should I hold both FSEP and HDGE?
FSEP and HDGE have a monthly-return correlation of -0.72, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSEP or HDGE?
FSEP yields 0.00% while HDGE yields 3.56%, so HDGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is HDGE better than FSEP?
FSEP has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.72, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.