FSEP vs MARM
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, FSEP or MARM?
FSEP has been ahead.
FSEP led over 1Y 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 | MARM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $107M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.52%Best | +4.78% |
| 1Y Return | +14.29%Best | +6.26% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1% | 1.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -2.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.5 years | $13,460Best | $11,848 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Mar 26, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 27, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.5 years).
FSEP vs MARM 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 2.5 years both funds cover.
FSEP vs MARM 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 - March (MARM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while MARM returned +6.26%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a gain of 4.78% for MARM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.1% compared with 1.9% for MARM. 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 -2.7% for MARM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.67. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSEP charges 0.85% per year while MARM 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 MARM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and MARM 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 MARM?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while MARM charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FSEP or MARM?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs +6.26% for MARM, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSEP or MARM?
FSEP has been the more volatile fund at 7.1% annualized versus 1.9% for MARM. Worst drawdown: FSEP -12.4% vs MARM -2.7%.
Should I hold both FSEP and MARM?
FSEP and MARM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, 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 MARM?
FSEP yields 0.00% while MARM yields 0.00%, so MARM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MARM better than FSEP?
FSEP led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.