FJAN vs. FSEP

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FJAN (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January) and FSEP (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September) are both exchange-traded funds - FJAN is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the S&P 500, while FSEP is a Options Trading fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index September. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FJAN returned 10.78%/yr vs 9.79%/yr for FSEP. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.85% expense ratio.

Performance

FJAN vs. FSEP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FJAN having a 5.60% return and FSEP slightly higher at 5.80%.

FJAN

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.54%
• YTD: 5.60%
• 6M: 5.40%
• 1Y: 16.03%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: —

FSEP

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -0.35%
• YTD: 5.80%
• 6M: 5.16%
• 1Y: 15.11%
• 3Y*: 13.78%
• 5Y*: 9.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

FJAN vs. FSEP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FJAN FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January	5.60%	12.74%	15.24%	21.65%	-3.96%	12.77%
FSEP FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September	5.80%	12.83%	13.56%	20.23%	-7.05%	11.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FJAN and FSEP is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 19, 2021	0.92

The correlation between FJAN and FSEP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FJAN vs. FSEP — Risk / Return Rank

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

FJAN

FJAN Risk / Return Rank: 77
FJAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
FJAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FJAN Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FJAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FJAN Martin Ratio Rank: 81

FSEP

FSEP Risk / Return Rank: 73
FSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

FJAN vs. FSEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP). 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.

	FJAN	FSEP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	2.01	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	2.87	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.39	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	2.70	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.97	13.43	+0.54

FJAN vs. FSEP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FJAN Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the FSEP Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FJAN and FSEP, 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

FJAN vs. FSEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FJAN drawdown since its inception was -13.58%, roughly equal to the maximum FSEP drawdown of -13.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FJAN and FSEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	FJAN	FSEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.58%	-13.79%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.91%	-5.62%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.92%	-12.37%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.58%	-13.79%	+0.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-0.98%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.98%	-2.12%	+0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.15%	1.13%	+0.02%

Volatility

FJAN vs. FSEP - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) have volatilities of 2.17% and 2.18%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FJAN	FSEP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.17%	2.18%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.05%	6.02%	+0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.41%	7.56%	-0.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.52%	10.83%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.36%	10.52%	-0.16%

FJAN vs. FSEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FJAN and FSEP have an expense ratio of 0.85%.

Dividends

FJAN vs. FSEP - Dividend Comparison

Neither FJAN nor FSEP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FJAN and FSEP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FJAN and FSEP 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, FJAN or FSEP?

FSEP has higher volatility (2.18%) compared to FJAN (2.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FJAN dropped -13.58% vs FSEP's -13.79%.

Which ETF is better, FJAN or FSEP?

On 5-year performance, FJAN leads with 10.78% vs 9.79% for FSEP. Both ETFs have the same 0.85% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FJAN or FSEP?

Over the 5-year period, FJAN has performed better with a 10.78% return vs 9.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FJAN or FSEP?

FJAN and FSEP have the same expense ratio: 0.85% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FJAN or FSEP?

FJAN and FSEP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FJAN and FSEP?

FJAN is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FSEP is Options Trading. FJAN tracks S&P 500, while FSEP tracks Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index September.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FJAN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.01), 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.