RSDE vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

RSDE (FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSDE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. RSDE is passively managed, while FAAR is actively managed. Over the past year, RSDE returned 14.03% vs 26.92% for FAAR. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSDE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

RSDE vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December (RSDE) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSDE achieves a 6.62% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 20.28% return.

RSDE

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 6.62%
• 6M: 6.08%
• 1Y: 14.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -4.30%
• YTD: 20.28%
• 6M: 20.86%
• 1Y: 26.92%
• 3Y*: 10.85%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: 4.74%

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

RSDE vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSDE FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December	6.62%	8.96%	0.33%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	20.28%	8.07%	0.21%

Correlation

The correlation between RSDE and FAAR is -0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.01

Return for Risk

RSDE vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSDE

RSDE Risk / Return Rank: 57
RSDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
RSDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
RSDE Omega Ratio Rank: 52
RSDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
RSDE Martin Ratio Rank: 61

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 71
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

RSDE vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December (RSDE) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	RSDE	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.01	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.87	-0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	4.72	-1.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.60	14.40	-3.80

RSDE vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSDE and FAAR, 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

RSDE vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSDE drawdown since its inception was -10.77%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSDE and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSDE	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.77%	-18.03%	+7.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.83%	-5.68%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-5.39%	+4.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.25%	-7.83%	+6.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.34%	1.87%	-0.53%

Volatility

RSDE vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December (RSDE) is 1.87%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.50%. This indicates that RSDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSDE	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.87%	2.50%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.06%	9.71%	-4.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.01%	13.36%	-5.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.95%	12.95%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.95%	11.53%	-0.58%

RSDE vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSDE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSDE vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

RSDE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FAAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.57%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.57%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
RSDE FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSDE and FAAR in my portfolio?

RSDE and FAAR have a correlation of -0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSDE or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.50%) compared to RSDE (1.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSDE dropped -10.77% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, RSDE or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 26.92% vs 14.03% for RSDE. On fees, RSDE is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, RSDE has been the lower-risk option at 1.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSDE or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 26.92% return vs 14.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSDE or FAAR?

RSDE is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSDE or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.57%, compared with 0.00% for RSDE.

What is the main difference between RSDE and FAAR?

RSDE is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for RSDE and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.77), 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.