FSEP vs JANM
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - January
Which is better, FSEP or JANM?
FSEP has been ahead.
FSEP led over 1Y 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 | JANM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $37M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.52%Best | +4.46% |
| 1Y Return | +14.29%Best | +6.35% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.7% | 2.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -2.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.7 years | $12,309Best | $11,032 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Jan 17, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 21, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.7 years).
FSEP vs JANM 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 1.7 years both funds cover.
FSEP vs JANM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - January (JANM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while JANM returned +6.35%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a gain of 4.46% for JANM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.7% compared with 2.5% for JANM. 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 -2.8% for JANM. 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 JANM 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 JANM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and JANM 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 JANM?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while JANM charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FSEP or JANM?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs +6.35% for JANM, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FSEP annualized +13.00% vs +5.95% for JANM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSEP or JANM?
FSEP has been the more volatile fund at 7.7% annualized versus 2.5% for JANM. Worst drawdown: FSEP -12.4% vs JANM -2.8%.
Should I hold both FSEP and JANM?
FSEP and JANM 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 JANM?
FSEP yields 0.00% while JANM yields 0.00%, so JANM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is JANM better than FSEP?
FSEP led over 1Y 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.