FSEP vs. FEBP

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FSEP (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September) and FEBP (PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - February) are both Options Trading funds. FSEP is passively managed, while FEBP is actively managed. Over the past year, FSEP returned 14.69% vs 15.52% for FEBP. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSEP charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for FEBP.

Performance

FSEP vs. FEBP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) and PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - February (FEBP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FSEP having a 7.54% return and FEBP slightly lower at 7.42%.

FSEP

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.65%
• 6M: 6.43%
• YTD: 7.54%
• 1Y: 14.69%
• 3Y*: 12.89%
• 5Y*: 10.13%
• 10Y*: —

FEBP

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.53%
• 6M: 6.53%
• YTD: 7.42%
• 1Y: 15.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSEP vs. FEBP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FSEP FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September	7.54%	12.83%	12.23%
FEBP PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - February	7.42%	12.06%	11.40%

Correlation

The correlation between FSEP and FEBP is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2024	0.92

The correlation between FSEP and FEBP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSEP vs. FEBP — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSEP

FSEP Risk / Return Rank: 77
FSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FEBP

FEBP Risk / Return Rank: 68
FEBP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FEBP Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
FEBP Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FEBP Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FEBP Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

FSEP vs. FEBP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) and PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - February (FEBP). 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.

	FSEP	FEBP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.48	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.18	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.39	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.53	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.03	13.55	-0.52

FSEP vs. FEBP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSEP Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the FEBP Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSEP and FEBP, 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

FSEP vs. FEBP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSEP drawdown since its inception was -13.79%, which is greater than FEBP's maximum drawdown of -12.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSEP and FEBP.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSEP	FEBP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.79%	-12.11%	-1.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.62%	-6.16%	+0.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.37%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.21%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.10%	-0.91%	-1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.13%	1.15%	-0.02%

Volatility

FSEP vs. FEBP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is 1.82%, while PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - February (FEBP) has a volatility of 8.11%. This indicates that FSEP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FEBP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSEP	FEBP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.82%	8.11%	-6.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.06%	9.72%	-3.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.57%	10.53%	-2.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.84%	10.23%	+0.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.48%	10.23%	+0.25%

FSEP vs. FEBP - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSEP has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FEBP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSEP vs. FEBP - Dividend Comparison

Neither FSEP nor FEBP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSEP and FEBP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FSEP and FEBP 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, FSEP or FEBP?

FEBP has higher volatility (8.11%) compared to FSEP (1.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSEP dropped -13.79% vs FEBP's -12.11%.

Which ETF is better, FSEP or FEBP?

On 1-year performance, FEBP leads with 15.52% vs 14.69% for FSEP. On fees, FEBP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FSEP has been the lower-risk option at 1.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSEP or FEBP?

Over the 1-year period, FEBP has performed better with a 15.52% return vs 14.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSEP or FEBP?

FEBP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FSEP.

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

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

What is the main difference between FSEP and FEBP?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FSEP and 0.50% for FEBP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSEP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.48), 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.