NELS vs. FMAY
NELS (Nelson Select ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. NELS is actively managed, while FMAY is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NELS charges 1.69%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.
Performance
NELS vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NELS achieves a 9.49% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 3.87% return.
NELS
- 1D
- -2.87%
- 1M
- 1.32%
- YTD
- 9.49%
- 6M
- 9.64%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FMAY
- 1D
- -1.68%
- 1M
- -0.02%
- YTD
- 3.87%
- 6M
- 4.65%
- 1Y
- 14.22%
- 3Y*
- 13.49%
- 5Y*
- 9.17%
- 10Y*
- —
NELS vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
NELS Nelson Select ETF | 9.49% | 2.42% |
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May | 3.87% | 2.60% |
Correlation
The correlation between NELS 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2025 | 0.87 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
NELS vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank
NELS
FMAY
NELS vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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.
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| NELS | FMAY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | — | 2.28 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | — | 0.87 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.34 | 0.99 | +0.35 |
Drawdowns
NELS vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NELS drawdown since its inception was -9.30%, smaller than the maximum FMAY drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NELS and FMAY.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| NELS | FMAY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -9.30% | -13.60% | +4.30% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -4.22% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -13.12% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -13.60% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.88% | -1.81% | -1.07% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.61% | -2.01% | +0.40% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 0.73% | — |
Volatility
NELS vs. FMAY - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| NELS | FMAY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 2.06% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 4.91% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.80% | 6.28% | +8.52% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.80% | 10.61% | +4.19% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 14.80% | 10.17% | +4.63% |
NELS vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison
NELS has a 1.69% expense ratio, which is higher than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.
Dividends
NELS vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison
Neither NELS nor FMAY has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
NELS 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.
On fees, FMAY is cheaper at 0.85% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
FMAY is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 1.69% for NELS.
NELS and FMAY have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
They also come from different issuers: Nelson Capital Management and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.69% for NELS and 0.85% for FMAY.
Find the right allocation for NELS and FMAY
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer