PSFM vs. FMAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSFM (Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF) and FMAR (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSFM returned 9.70%/yr vs 10.43%/yr for FMAR. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSFM charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAR.

Performance

PSFM vs. FMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (PSFM) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSFM achieves a 8.72% return, which is significantly lower than FMAR's 9.35% return.

PSFM

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 6M: 8.75%
• 1Y: 16.21%
• 3Y*: 12.82%
• 5Y*: 9.70%
• 10Y*: —

FMAR

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 9.35%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 17.54%
• 3Y*: 13.85%
• 5Y*: 10.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

PSFM vs. FMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PSFM Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF	8.72%	7.28%	14.18%	18.32%	-5.23%	11.47%
FMAR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March	9.35%	9.69%	14.61%	20.39%	-5.51%	10.41%

Correlation

The correlation between PSFM and FMAR is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2021	0.93

The correlation between PSFM and FMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSFM vs. FMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSFM

PSFM Risk / Return Rank: 97
PSFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
PSFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
PSFM Omega Ratio Rank: 97
PSFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
PSFM Martin Ratio Rank: 98

FMAR

FMAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
FMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
FMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 97
FMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

PSFM vs. FMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (PSFM) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR). 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.

	PSFM	FMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.94	3.43	+0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.70	5.44	+1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.91	1.84	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	11.01	7.46	+3.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	55.56	46.64	+8.91

PSFM vs. FMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSFM Sharpe Ratio is 3.94, which is comparable to the FMAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSFM and FMAR, 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

PSFM vs. FMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSFM drawdown since its inception was -14.33%, roughly equal to the maximum FMAR drawdown of -14.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSFM and FMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSFM	FMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.33%	-14.36%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.48%	-2.36%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.12%	-12.37%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.33%	-14.36%	+0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.81%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.25%	-2.12%	-0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.29%	0.38%	-0.09%

Volatility

PSFM vs. FMAR - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Swan SOS Flex (April) ETF (PSFM) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) have volatilities of 1.74% and 1.76%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSFM	FMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.74%	1.76%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.29%	4.27%	-0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.15%	5.16%	-1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.58%	10.47%	+0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.48%	10.32%	+0.16%

PSFM vs. FMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSFM has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is lower than FMAR's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSFM vs. FMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither PSFM nor FMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSFM and FMAR in my portfolio?

PSFM and FMAR have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSFM or FMAR?

FMAR has higher volatility (1.76%) compared to PSFM (1.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSFM dropped -14.33% vs FMAR's -14.36%.

Which ETF is better, PSFM or FMAR?

On 5-year performance, FMAR leads with 10.43% vs 9.70% for PSFM. On fees, PSFM is cheaper at 0.61% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSFM or FMAR?

Over the 5-year period, FMAR has performed better with a 10.43% return vs 9.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSFM or FMAR?

PSFM is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FMAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSFM or FMAR?

PSFM and FMAR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PSFM and FMAR?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for PSFM and 0.85% for FMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSFM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.94 vs 3.43), 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.