GMAR vs XYLD
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March vs Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF
Which is better, GMAR or XYLD?
XYLD has been ahead.
XYLD has a lower expense ratio. XYLD 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 | GMAR | XYLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.60%Best |
| AUM | $428M | $3.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 10.44% |
| Holdings | 10 | 1,014 |
| YTD Return | +10.92% | +11.42%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.38% | +18.43%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.33% | +13.38%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +7.59% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8%Best | 6.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1%Best | -16.1% |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $15,276 | $15,330Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Global X by mirae Asset |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Mar 17, 2023 | Jun 21, 2013 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 20, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.6 years).
GMAR vs XYLD 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 3.6 years both funds cover.
GMAR vs XYLD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (GMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year GMAR returned +13.38% while XYLD returned +18.43%. Year to date, GMAR is up 10.92% versus a gain of 11.42% for XYLD.
Over three years, GMAR compounded at +12.33% per year against +13.38% for XYLD. Across the full 4-year window we track, XYLD has the edge at +12.60% annualized vs +12.49%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.2% compared with 4.8% for GMAR. 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 -9.1% for GMAR and -16.1% for XYLD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GMAR charges 0.85% per year while XYLD charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $60 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GMAR currently yields 0.00% against 10.44% for XYLD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GMAR and XYLD 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, GMAR or XYLD?
GMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while XYLD charges 0.60%. XYLD is the cheaper option, by $25 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GMAR or XYLD?
Over the past year GMAR returned +13.38% vs +18.43% for XYLD, so XYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GMAR annualized +12.49% vs +12.60% for XYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GMAR or XYLD?
XYLD has been the more volatile fund at 6.2% annualized versus 4.8% for GMAR. Worst drawdown: GMAR -9.1% vs XYLD -16.1%.
Should I hold both GMAR and XYLD?
GMAR and XYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, 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, GMAR or XYLD?
GMAR yields 0.00% while XYLD yields 10.44%, so XYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XYLD better than GMAR?
XYLD has a lower expense ratio. XYLD 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.