FLCE vs. FMAY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLCE (Frontier Asset U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. FLCE is actively managed, while FMAY is passively managed. Over the past year, FLCE returned 23.25% vs 15.38% for FMAY. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FLCE charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

FLCE vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frontier Asset U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (FLCE) 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, FLCE achieves a 8.81% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 5.39% return.

FLCE

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 4.57%
• YTD: 8.81%
• 6M: 8.78%
• 1Y: 23.25%
• 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)

FLCE vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FLCE Frontier Asset U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	8.81%	14.45%	-0.76%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	5.39%	12.69%	-0.25%

Correlation

The correlation between FLCE and FMAY is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.94

The correlation between FLCE and FMAY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FLCE vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLCE

FLCE Risk / Return Rank: 61
FLCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
FLCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
FLCE Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FLCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
FLCE Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

FLCE vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (FLCE) 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.

	FLCE	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.56	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	3.80	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.54	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	3.66	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.66	21.48	-9.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLCE vs. FMAY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLCE Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the FMAY Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLCE 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

	FLCE	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05	2.56	-0.51
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.90	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.99	1.02	-0.03

Drawdowns

FLCE vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLCE drawdown since its inception was -17.52%, which is greater than FMAY's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLCE and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLCE	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.52%	-13.60%	-3.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-4.22%	-4.68%
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	-0.47%	-0.38%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.44%	-2.01%	-0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	0.72%	+1.28%

Volatility

FLCE vs. FMAY - Volatility Comparison

Frontier Asset U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (FLCE) has a higher volatility of 2.70% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) at 1.02%. This indicates that FLCE'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

	FLCE	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.70%	1.02%	+1.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.73%	4.59%	+4.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.41%	6.04%	+5.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.07%	10.59%	+5.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.07%	10.15%	+5.92%

FLCE vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLCE has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLCE vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

FLCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.30%, while FMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FLCE Frontier Asset U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	0.30%	0.32%	0.01%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLCE and FMAY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, FLCE 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, FLCE or FMAY?

FLCE has higher volatility (2.70%) compared to FMAY (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLCE dropped -17.52% vs FMAY's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, FLCE or FMAY?

On 1-year performance, FLCE leads with 23.25% vs 15.38% for FMAY. On fees, FMAY is cheaper at 0.85% 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, FLCE or FMAY?

Over the 1-year period, FLCE has performed better with a 23.25% return vs 15.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLCE or FMAY?

FMAY is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FLCE.

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

FLCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.30%, compared with 0.00% for FMAY.

What is the main difference between FLCE and FMAY?

They also come from different issuers: Frontier and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FLCE and 0.85% for FMAY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMAY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 2.05), 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.