LCAP vs. FMAY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LCAP (Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. LCAP is actively managed, while FMAY is passively managed. Over the past year, LCAP returned 23.78% vs 13.09% for FMAY. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LCAP charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

LCAP vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) 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, LCAP achieves a 9.75% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 3.95% return.

LCAP

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: -1.22%
• YTD: 9.75%
• 6M: 8.45%
• 1Y: 23.78%
• 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)

LCAP vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
LCAP Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF	9.75%	17.53%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	3.95%	13.22%

Correlation

The correlation between LCAP and FMAY is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2025	0.89

The correlation between LCAP and FMAY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LCAP vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

LCAP

LCAP Risk / Return Rank: 58
LCAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
LCAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
LCAP Omega Ratio Rank: 56
LCAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
LCAP Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

LCAP vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) 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.

	LCAP	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.01	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	2.88	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.42	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	3.12	-0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.19	16.70	-6.51

LCAP vs. FMAY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LCAP Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the FMAY Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LCAP 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

LCAP vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LCAP drawdown since its inception was -11.78%, smaller than the maximum FMAY drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LCAP and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	LCAP	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.78%	-13.60%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.32%	-4.22%	-5.10%
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	-2.88%	-1.74%	-1.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.68%	-2.00%	+0.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	0.79%	+1.55%

Volatility

LCAP vs. FMAY - Volatility Comparison

Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) has a higher volatility of 4.79% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) at 3.12%. This indicates that LCAP'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

	LCAP	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.79%	3.12%	+1.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.79%	5.43%	+5.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.39%	6.55%	+6.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.98%	10.66%	+6.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.98%	10.17%	+6.81%

LCAP vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

LCAP has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

LCAP vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

LCAP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, while FMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%
LCAP Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF	0.10%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LCAP and FMAY in my portfolio?

LCAP and FMAY have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LCAP or FMAY?

LCAP has higher volatility (4.79%) compared to FMAY (3.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LCAP dropped -11.78% vs FMAY's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, LCAP or FMAY?

On 1-year performance, LCAP leads with 23.78% vs 13.09% for FMAY. On fees, LCAP is cheaper at 0.29% 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, LCAP or FMAY?

Over the 1-year period, LCAP has performed better with a 23.78% return vs 13.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LCAP or FMAY?

LCAP is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FMAY.

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

LCAP has the higher dividend yield at 0.10%, compared with 0.00% for FMAY.

What is the main difference between LCAP and FMAY?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for LCAP and 0.85% for FMAY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMAY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.79), 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.