FSEP vs PSFM
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF
Which is better, FSEP or PSFM?
Each has led over a different period.
PSFM has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 3Y and 5Y, PSFM over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
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 | PSFM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.49%Best |
| AUM | $1.4B | $26M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +11.52% | +12.56%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.29% | +15.06%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18%Best | +13.69% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70%Best | +9.85% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 9.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -13.8%Best | -14.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,624Best | $15,996 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Pacer ETFs |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Mar 31, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.5 years).
FSEP vs PSFM 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 5.5 years both funds cover.
FSEP vs PSFM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (PSFM) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while PSFM returned +15.06%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a gain of 12.56% for PSFM.
Over three years, FSEP compounded at +15.18% per year against +13.69% for PSFM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.70% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, PSFM has the edge at +10.37% annualized vs +10.34%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.5% compared with 9.2% for PSFM. 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 -14.3% for PSFM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. 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 PSFM charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $49 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSEP currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for PSFM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and PSFM 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 PSFM?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while PSFM charges 0.49%. PSFM is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSEP or PSFM?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs +15.06% for PSFM, so PSFM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FSEP annualized +10.34% vs +10.37% for PSFM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSEP or PSFM?
FSEP has been the more volatile fund at 9.5% annualized versus 9.2% for PSFM. Worst drawdown: FSEP -13.8% vs PSFM -14.3%.
Should I hold both FSEP and PSFM?
FSEP and PSFM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 PSFM?
FSEP yields 0.00% while PSFM yields 0.00%, so PSFM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PSFM better than FSEP?
PSFM has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 3Y and 5Y, PSFM over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.