FSEP vs XOCT
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October
Which is better, FSEP or XOCT?
FSEP has been ahead.
FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | XOCT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $40M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 12 |
| YTD Return | +11.52%Best | +7.21% |
| 1Y Return | +14.29%Best | +9.63% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.18%Best | +10.24% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 4.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -10.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 3 years | $15,718Best | $13,397 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Oct 20, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 23, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3 years).
FSEP vs XOCT 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 3 years both funds cover.
FSEP vs XOCT Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October (XOCT) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% while XOCT returned +9.63%. Year to date, FSEP is up 11.52% versus a gain of 7.21% for XOCT.
Over three years, FSEP compounded at +15.18% per year against +10.24% for XOCT.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.5% compared with 4.5% for XOCT. 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 -10.0% for XOCT. 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 XOCT 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 XOCT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSEP and XOCT 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 XOCT?
FSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while XOCT charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FSEP or XOCT?
Over the past year FSEP returned +14.29% vs +9.63% for XOCT, 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 XOCT?
FSEP has been the more volatile fund at 7.5% annualized versus 4.5% for XOCT. Worst drawdown: FSEP -12.4% vs XOCT -10.0%.
Should I hold both FSEP and XOCT?
FSEP and XOCT 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 XOCT?
FSEP yields 0.00% while XOCT yields 0.00%, so XOCT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XOCT better than FSEP?
FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y 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.