SAUG vs SMAY
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August vs FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - May
Which is better, SAUG or SMAY?
Each has led over a different period.
SAUG led over 3Y and the full window, SMAY over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95.
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 | SAUG | SMAY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90%Tie | 0.90%Tie |
| AUM | $128M | $111M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +4.40% | +4.73%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.03% | +6.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.29%Best | +10.57% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 9.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -14.6% | -14.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $13,343Best | $13,092 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2023 | May 19, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 21, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.1 years).
SAUG vs SMAY 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
SAUG vs SMAY Performance
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - May (SMAY) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SAUG returned +6.03% while SMAY returned +6.82%. Year to date, SAUG is up 4.40% versus a gain of 4.73% for SMAY.
Over three years, SAUG compounded at +11.29% per year against +10.57% for SMAY.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.1% compared with 9.8% for SMAY. 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 -14.6% for SAUG and -14.4% for SMAY. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAUG charges 0.90% per year while SMAY charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $90 annually. On income, SAUG currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for SMAY.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SAUG and SMAY 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, SAUG or SMAY?
SAUG has an expense ratio of 0.90% while SMAY charges 0.90%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, SAUG or SMAY?
Over the past year SAUG returned +6.03% vs +6.82% for SMAY, so SMAY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SAUG or SMAY?
SAUG has been the more volatile fund at 10.1% annualized versus 9.8% for SMAY. Worst drawdown: SAUG -14.6% vs SMAY -14.4%.
Should I hold both SAUG and SMAY?
SAUG and SMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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, SAUG or SMAY?
SAUG yields 0.00% while SMAY yields 0.00%, so SMAY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMAY better than SAUG?
SAUG led over 3Y and the full window, SMAY over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.