BEEX vs. FMAY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BEEX (The BeeHive ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. BEEX is actively managed, while FMAY is passively managed. Over the past year, BEEX returned 17.36% vs 15.38% for FMAY. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BEEX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

BEEX vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The BeeHive ETF (BEEX) 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, BEEX achieves a 4.75% return, which is significantly lower than FMAY's 5.39% return.

BEEX

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 1.92%
• YTD: 4.75%
• 6M: 4.85%
• 1Y: 17.36%
• 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)

BEEX vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BEEX The BeeHive ETF	4.75%	14.48%	-2.67%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	5.39%	12.69%	-1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between BEEX and FMAY is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2024	0.82

The correlation between BEEX and FMAY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BEEX vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

BEEX

BEEX Risk / Return Rank: 41
BEEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
BEEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
BEEX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BEEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
BEEX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

BEEX vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The BeeHive ETF (BEEX) 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.

	BEEX	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.56	-0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	3.80	-1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.54	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	3.66	-2.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.76	21.48	-15.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BEEX vs. FMAY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BEEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the FMAY Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BEEX and FMAY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BEEX	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59	2.56	-0.97
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.90	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	1.02	-0.27

Drawdowns

BEEX vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BEEX drawdown since its inception was -15.13%, which is greater than FMAY's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BEEX and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	BEEX	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.13%	-13.60%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.24%	-4.22%	-7.02%
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	-1.22%	-0.38%	-0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.41%	-2.01%	-0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	0.72%	+2.30%

Volatility

BEEX vs. FMAY - Volatility Comparison

The BeeHive ETF (BEEX) has a higher volatility of 2.55% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) at 1.02%. This indicates that BEEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FMAY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BEEX	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.55%	1.02%	+1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.27%	4.59%	+3.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.98%	6.04%	+4.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.99%	10.59%	+4.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.99%	10.15%	+4.84%

BEEX vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

BEEX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is lower than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

BEEX vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

BEEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, while FMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BEEX The BeeHive ETF	0.33%	0.35%	0.27%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BEEX and FMAY in my portfolio?

BEEX and FMAY have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BEEX or FMAY?

BEEX has higher volatility (2.55%) compared to FMAY (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BEEX dropped -15.13% vs FMAY's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, BEEX or FMAY?

On 1-year performance, BEEX leads with 17.36% vs 15.38% for FMAY. On fees, BEEX is cheaper at 0.84% per year. On volatility, FMAY has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BEEX or FMAY?

Over the 1-year period, BEEX has performed better with a 17.36% return vs 15.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BEEX or FMAY?

BEEX is cheaper with a 0.84% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FMAY.

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

BEEX has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.00% for FMAY.

What is the main difference between BEEX and FMAY?

They also come from different issuers: BeeHive and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for BEEX and 0.85% for FMAY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMAY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 1.59), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.