PSFD vs. FMAY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSFD (Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. PSFD is actively managed, while FMAY is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSFD returned 11.39%/yr vs 9.01%/yr for FMAY. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSFD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

PSFD vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) 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, PSFD achieves a 5.64% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 3.95% return.

PSFD

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 5.64%
• 6M: 5.57%
• 1Y: 15.94%
• 3Y*: 14.12%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 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)

PSFD vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PSFD Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF	5.64%	12.93%	14.54%	20.95%	-3.06%	18.23%	1.33%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	3.95%	12.69%	14.45%	17.83%	-8.08%	11.00%	0.50%

Correlation

The correlation between PSFD 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2020	0.90

The correlation between PSFD and FMAY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSFD vs. FMAY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSFD	FMAY
Technology	39.0%	39.0%
Financial Services	11.1%	11.1%
Communication Services	10.6%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	9.9%
Healthcare	8.3%	8.3%
Industrials	7.8%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.5%
Energy	3.1%	3.1%
Utilities	2.1%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.7%

Return for Risk

PSFD vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSFD

PSFD Risk / Return Rank: 76
PSFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
PSFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
PSFD Omega Ratio Rank: 84
PSFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
PSFD Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

PSFD vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) 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.

	PSFD	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	2.01	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	2.88	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.42	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	3.12	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.72	16.70	-2.99

PSFD vs. FMAY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSFD Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the FMAY Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSFD 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

PSFD vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSFD drawdown since its inception was -14.94%, which is greater than FMAY's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSFD and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSFD	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.94%	-13.60%	-1.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.88%	-4.22%	-1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.26%	-13.12%	+0.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.94%	-13.60%	-1.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-1.74%	+0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.00%	-2.00%	0.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.16%	0.79%	+0.37%

Volatility

PSFD vs. FMAY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) is 2.28%, while FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) has a volatility of 3.12%. This indicates that PSFD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FMAY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSFD	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	3.12%	-0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.98%	5.43%	+0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.98%	6.55%	+0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.51%	10.66%	-0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.42%	10.17%	+0.25%

PSFD vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSFD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSFD vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

Neither PSFD nor FMAY has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSFD and FMAY in my portfolio?

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

FMAY has higher volatility (3.12%) compared to PSFD (2.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSFD dropped -14.94% vs FMAY's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, PSFD or FMAY?

On 5-year performance, PSFD leads with 11.39% vs 9.01% for FMAY. On fees, PSFD is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, PSFD has been the lower-risk option at 2.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSFD or FMAY?

Over the 5-year period, PSFD has performed better with a 11.39% return vs 9.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSFD or FMAY?

PSFD is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FMAY.

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

PSFD and FMAY have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PSFD and FMAY?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PSFD and 0.85% for FMAY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSFD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 2.01), 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.