AFOS vs. FMAY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFOS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

AFOS vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFOS achieves a 32.04% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 5.39% return.

AFOS

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 32.04%
• 6M: 37.37%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FMAY

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 5.39%
• 6M: 6.32%
• 1Y: 15.38%
• 3Y*: 14.13%
• 5Y*: 9.48%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AFOS vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.04%	36.15%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	5.39%	7.57%

Correlation

The correlation between AFOS and FMAY is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.75

Return for Risk

AFOS vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FMAY

FMAY Risk / Return Rank: 83
FMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FMAY Martin Ratio Rank: 91

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AFOS vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AFOS	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.90	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.35	1.02	+3.32

Drawdowns

AFOS vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFOS drawdown since its inception was -11.52%, smaller than the maximum FMAY drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFOS and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFOS	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.52%	-13.60%	+2.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.22%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-0.38%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.37%	-2.01%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.72%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFOS	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.02%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.59%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.19%	6.04%	+14.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.19%	10.59%	+9.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.19%	10.15%	+10.04%

AFOS vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFOS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFOS vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, while FMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFOS and FMAY in my portfolio?

AFOS and FMAY have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AFOS or FMAY?

On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFOS or FMAY?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FMAY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFOS or FMAY?

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.00% for FMAY.

What is the main difference between AFOS and FMAY?

They also come from different issuers: ARS Investment Partners and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AFOS and 0.85% for FMAY.