NBCR vs. FMAY

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NBCR (Neuberger Core Equity ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. NBCR is actively managed, while FMAY is passively managed. Over the past year, NBCR returned 23.29% vs 15.55% for FMAY. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBCR charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

NBCR vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Core Equity ETF (NBCR) 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, NBCR achieves a 7.55% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 5.65% return.

NBCR

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 6M: 7.45%
• 1Y: 23.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FMAY

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 5.65%
• 6M: 6.55%
• 1Y: 15.55%
• 3Y*: 14.23%
• 5Y*: 9.54%
• 10Y*: —

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

NBCR vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBCR Neuberger Core Equity ETF	7.55%	18.69%	6.82%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	5.65%	12.69%	6.20%

Correlation

The correlation between NBCR and FMAY is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.93

The correlation between NBCR and FMAY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBCR vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBCR

NBCR Risk / Return Rank: 58
NBCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
NBCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
NBCR Omega Ratio Rank: 62
NBCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
NBCR Martin Ratio Rank: 56

FMAY

FMAY Risk / Return Rank: 84
FMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
FMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
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.

NBCR vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Core Equity ETF (NBCR) 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.

	NBCR	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.59	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	3.84	-0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.54	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	3.70	-1.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.69	21.75	-12.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NBCR vs. FMAY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBCR Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the FMAY Sharpe Ratio of 2.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBCR 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

	NBCR	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03	2.59	-0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.91	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.11	1.03	+0.08

Drawdowns

NBCR vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBCR drawdown since its inception was -18.23%, which is greater than FMAY's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBCR and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBCR	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.23%	-13.60%	-4.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.35%	-4.22%	-6.13%
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	-0.09%	-0.13%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.22%	-2.01%	-0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	0.72%	+1.69%

Volatility

NBCR vs. FMAY - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Core Equity ETF (NBCR) has a higher volatility of 2.91% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) at 1.03%. This indicates that NBCR'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

	NBCR	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	1.03%	+1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.83%	4.59%	+4.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.51%	6.04%	+5.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.67%	10.59%	+6.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	10.14%	+6.53%

NBCR vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

NBCR vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

NBCR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, while FMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NBCR Neuberger Core Equity ETF	0.42%	0.45%	0.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBCR and FMAY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, NBCR 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, NBCR or FMAY?

NBCR has higher volatility (2.91%) compared to FMAY (1.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBCR dropped -18.23% vs FMAY's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, NBCR or FMAY?

On 1-year performance, NBCR leads with 23.29% vs 15.55% for FMAY. On fees, NBCR is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, FMAY has been the lower-risk option at 1.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBCR or FMAY?

Over the 1-year period, NBCR has performed better with a 23.29% return vs 15.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBCR or FMAY?

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

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

NBCR has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.00% for FMAY.

What is the main difference between NBCR and FMAY?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMAY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.03), 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.