DECM vs. JULB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DECM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - December) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. DECM is passively managed, while JULB is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DECM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

DECM vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - December (DECM) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DECM achieves a 2.34% return, which is significantly lower than JULB's 6.38% return.

DECM

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 2.34%
• 6M: 2.34%
• 1Y: 7.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 6.38%
• 6M: 6.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DECM vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DECM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - December	2.34%	1.80%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.38%	2.44%

Correlation

The correlation between DECM and JULB is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

DECM vs. JULB — Risk / Return Rank

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

DECM

DECM Risk / Return Rank: 92
DECM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
DECM Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
DECM Omega Ratio Rank: 95
DECM Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DECM Martin Ratio Rank: 93

JULB

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

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.

DECM vs. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - December (DECM) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DECM	JULB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.10	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.80	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.29	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.03	—	—

Drawdowns

DECM vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DECM drawdown since its inception was -3.00%, smaller than the maximum JULB drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DECM and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DECM	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.00%	-5.24%	+2.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-0.43%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-0.83%	+0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DECM	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.76%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.92%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39%	6.84%	-4.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.97%	6.84%	-3.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.97%	6.84%	-3.87%

DECM vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DECM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than JULB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DECM vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DECM nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DECM and JULB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DECM and JULB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, DECM or JULB?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DECM or JULB?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DECM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DECM or JULB?

DECM and JULB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DECM and JULB?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DECM and 0.25% for JULB.