FSEP vs HTUS
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs Hull Tactical US ETF
Which is better, FSEP or HTUS?
Each has led over a different period.
FSEP has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, HTUS over 3Y.
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 | HTUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 0.96% |
| AUM | $1.4B | $174M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.19% |
| Holdings | 10 | 27 |
| YTD Return | +11.52% | +15.69%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.29%Best | +8.15% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18% | +19.36%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70%Best | +6.41% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.6%Best | 17.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.8%Best | -31.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,624Best | $13,643 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Hull Tactical Asset Allocation, LLC |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Jun 24, 2015 |
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 HTUS 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 HTUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Hull Tactical US ETF (HTUS) is an ETF from Hull Tactical Asset Allocation, LLC. Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while HTUS returned +8.15%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a gain of 15.69% for HTUS.
Over three years, FSEP compounded at +15.18% per year against +19.36% for HTUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.70% and +6.41% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FSEP has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +9.74%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HTUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -31.8% for HTUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSEP charges 0.85% per year while HTUS charges 0.96%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $96 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.19% for HTUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and HTUS 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 HTUS?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while HTUS charges 0.96%. FSEP is the cheaper option, by $11 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSEP or HTUS?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs +8.15% for HTUS, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FSEP annualized +11.63% vs +9.74% for HTUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSEP or HTUS?
HTUS has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 9.6% for FSEP. Worst drawdown: FSEP -13.8% vs HTUS -31.8%.
Should I hold both FSEP and HTUS?
FSEP and HTUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, 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 HTUS?
FSEP yields 0.00% while HTUS yields 1.19%, so HTUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is HTUS better than FSEP?
FSEP has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, HTUS over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.