DVSP vs. FMAY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DVSP (WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - DVSP tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility US Large Cap 500 Index while FMAY tracks the Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index May Series. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, DVSP returned 27.52% vs 13.09% for FMAY. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DVSP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

DVSP vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) 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, DVSP achieves a 4.43% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 3.95% return.

DVSP

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: -3.09%
• YTD: 4.43%
• 6M: 2.58%
• 1Y: 27.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FMAY

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -0.64%
• YTD: 3.95%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: 13.09%
• 3Y*: 13.13%
• 5Y*: 9.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

DVSP vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DVSP WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF	4.43%	15.57%	-5.64%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	3.95%	12.69%	-1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between DVSP and FMAY is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2024	0.91

The correlation between DVSP and FMAY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DVSP vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

DVSP

DVSP Risk / Return Rank: 40
DVSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DVSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
DVSP Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DVSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
DVSP Martin Ratio Rank: 44

FMAY

FMAY Risk / Return Rank: 74
FMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FMAY Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

DVSP vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) 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.

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.

	DVSP	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	2.01	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	2.88	-1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.42	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	3.12	-1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.68	16.70	-10.03

DVSP vs. FMAY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DVSP Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the FMAY Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DVSP 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.

Drawdowns

DVSP vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVSP drawdown since its inception was -22.71%, which is greater than FMAY's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVSP and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVSP	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.71%	-13.60%	-9.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.56%	-4.22%	-11.34%
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	-6.24%	-1.74%	-4.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.53%	-2.00%	-3.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	0.79%	+3.34%

Volatility

DVSP vs. FMAY - Volatility Comparison

WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) has a higher volatility of 7.77% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) at 3.12%. This indicates that DVSP'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

	DVSP	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.77%	3.12%	+4.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.89%	5.43%	+10.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.91%	6.55%	+14.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.24%	10.66%	+11.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.24%	10.17%	+12.07%

DVSP vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVSP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVSP vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

DVSP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, while FMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
DVSP WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF	0.27%	0.28%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVSP and FMAY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DVSP and FMAY 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 is riskier, DVSP or FMAY?

DVSP has higher volatility (7.77%) compared to FMAY (3.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DVSP dropped -22.71% vs FMAY's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, DVSP or FMAY?

On 1-year performance, DVSP leads with 27.52% vs 13.09% for FMAY. On fees, FMAY is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, FMAY has been the lower-risk option at 3.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DVSP or FMAY?

Over the 1-year period, DVSP has performed better with a 27.52% return vs 13.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVSP or FMAY?

FMAY is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVSP.

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

DVSP has the higher dividend yield at 0.27%, compared with 0.00% for FMAY.

What is the main difference between DVSP and FMAY?

DVSP tracks Syntax Defined Volatility US Large Cap 500 Index, while FMAY tracks Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index May Series. They also come from different issuers: WEBs and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for DVSP and 0.85% for FMAY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMAY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.33), 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.