MAYM vs. JULB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MAYM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MAYM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

MAYM vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAYM achieves a 1.91% return, which is significantly lower than JULB's 6.38% return.

MAYM

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 1.91%
• 6M: 1.97%
• 1Y: 5.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 6.38%
• 6M: 6.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAYM vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MAYM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May	1.91%	1.24%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.38%	2.44%

Correlation

The correlation between MAYM and JULB is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

MAYM vs. JULB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAYM

MAYM Risk / Return Rank: 92
MAYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
MAYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
MAYM Omega Ratio Rank: 95
MAYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
MAYM Martin Ratio Rank: 95

JULB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

MAYM vs. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). 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.

	MAYM	JULB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.19	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.41	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.32	—	—

Drawdowns

MAYM vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAYM drawdown since its inception was -1.22%, smaller than the maximum JULB drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAYM and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAYM	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.22%	-5.24%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-0.43%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.09%	-0.83%	+0.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.20%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MAYM	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.96%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.74%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01%	6.84%	-4.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.02%	6.84%	-4.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.02%	6.84%	-4.82%

MAYM vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAYM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than JULB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAYM vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither MAYM nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAYM and JULB in my portfolio?

MAYM and JULB have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MAYM or JULB?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAYM or JULB?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MAYM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MAYM or JULB?

MAYM and JULB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between MAYM and JULB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MAYM and 0.25% for JULB.