GAUG vs GJAN
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - January
Which is better, GAUG or GJAN?
Each has led over a different period.
GAUG led over 3Y, GJAN over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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 | GAUG | GJAN |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $423M | $443M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +7.94% | +8.27%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.04% | +11.31%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.42%Best | +12.36% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0%Best | 6.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1%Best | -10.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.2 years | $14,302 | $14,351Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2023 | Jan 20, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 21, 2023 to Oct 15, 2026 (3.2 years).
GAUG vs GJAN 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 3.2 years both funds cover.
GAUG vs GJAN Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August (GAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - January (GJAN) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year GAUG returned +10.04% while GJAN returned +11.31%. Year to date, GAUG is up 7.94% versus a gain of 8.27% for GJAN.
Over three years, GAUG compounded at +12.42% per year against +12.36% for GJAN.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GJAN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.2% compared with 6.0% for GAUG. 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 -10.1% for GAUG and -10.6% for GJAN. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAUG charges 0.85% per year while GJAN charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, GAUG currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GJAN.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GAUG and GJAN 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, GAUG or GJAN?
GAUG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GJAN charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, GAUG or GJAN?
Over the past year GAUG returned +10.04% vs +11.31% for GJAN, so GJAN leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GAUG or GJAN?
GJAN has been the more volatile fund at 6.2% annualized versus 6.0% for GAUG. Worst drawdown: GAUG -10.1% vs GJAN -10.6%.
Should I hold both GAUG and GJAN?
GAUG and GJAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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, GAUG or GJAN?
GAUG yields 0.00% while GJAN yields 0.00%, so GJAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GJAN better than GAUG?
GAUG led over 3Y, GJAN over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.