GJAN vs SPXX
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - January vs Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund
Which is better, GJAN or SPXX?
SPXX has been ahead.
GJAN has a lower expense ratio. SPXX led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | GJAN | SPXX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 0.91% |
| AUM | $443M | $2.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 7.40% |
| Holdings | 10 | 553 |
| YTD Return | +8.05% | +10.40%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.35% | +18.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | +17.05%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.18% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0%Best | 12.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6%Best | -17.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.7 years | $15,199 | $16,091Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Nuveen |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2023 | Nov 22, 2005 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 25, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.7 years).
GJAN vs SPXX 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 3.7 years both funds cover.
GJAN vs SPXX Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - January (GJAN) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (SPXX) is an ETF from Nuveen. Over the past year GJAN returned +11.35% while SPXX returned +18.86%. Year to date, GJAN is up 8.05% versus a gain of 10.40% for SPXX.
Over three years, GJAN compounded at +12.30% per year against +17.05% for SPXX. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPXX has the edge at +13.72% annualized vs +11.98%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.1% compared with 6.0% for GJAN. 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 -10.6% for GJAN and -17.6% for SPXX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GJAN charges 0.85% per year while SPXX charges 0.91%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $91 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GJAN currently yields 0.00% against 7.40% for SPXX.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GJAN and SPXX 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, GJAN or SPXX?
GJAN has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPXX charges 0.91%. GJAN is the cheaper option, by $6 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GJAN or SPXX?
Over the past year GJAN returned +11.35% vs +18.86% for SPXX, so SPXX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GJAN annualized +11.98% vs +13.72% for SPXX. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GJAN or SPXX?
SPXX has been the more volatile fund at 12.1% annualized versus 6.0% for GJAN. Worst drawdown: GJAN -10.6% vs SPXX -17.6%.
Should I hold both GJAN and SPXX?
GJAN and SPXX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, 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, GJAN or SPXX?
GJAN yields 0.00% while SPXX yields 7.40%, so SPXX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SPXX better than GJAN?
GJAN has a lower expense ratio. SPXX led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.