RSSE vs. KFEB

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

RSSE (FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September) and KFEB (Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - February) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RSSE returned 13.23% vs 23.62% for KFEB. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RSSE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for KFEB.

Performance

RSSE vs. KFEB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September (RSSE) and Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - February (KFEB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSSE achieves a 8.58% return, which is significantly lower than KFEB's 13.92% return.

RSSE

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.84%
• 6M: 6.15%
• YTD: 8.58%
• 1Y: 13.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KFEB

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.97%
• 6M: 7.82%
• YTD: 13.92%
• 1Y: 23.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RSSE vs. KFEB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RSSE FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September	8.58%	5.44%
KFEB Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - February	13.92%	9.19%

Correlation

The correlation between RSSE and KFEB is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2025	0.84

The correlation between RSSE and KFEB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RSSE vs. KFEB — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSSE

RSSE Risk / Return Rank: 70
RSSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
RSSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
RSSE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
RSSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
RSSE Martin Ratio Rank: 73

KFEB

KFEB Risk / Return Rank: 86
KFEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
KFEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
KFEB Omega Ratio Rank: 81
KFEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
KFEB Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

RSSE vs. KFEB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September (RSSE) and Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - February (KFEB). 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.

	RSSE	KFEB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.19	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	3.19	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.38	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	4.09	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.81	14.95	-4.14

RSSE vs. KFEB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the KFEB Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSSE and KFEB, 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

RSSE vs. KFEB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSSE drawdown since its inception was -11.37%, smaller than the maximum KFEB drawdown of -14.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSSE and KFEB.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSSE	KFEB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.37%	-14.16%	+2.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.38%	-5.80%	+1.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.13%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.50%	-2.17%	+0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.23%	1.58%	-0.35%

Volatility

RSSE vs. KFEB - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September (RSSE) and Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - February (KFEB) have volatilities of 1.48% and 1.55%, 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

	RSSE	KFEB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.48%	1.55%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.09%	7.33%	-2.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.81%	10.90%	-3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.04%	12.92%	-2.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.04%	12.92%	-2.88%

RSSE vs. KFEB - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSSE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than KFEB's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSSE vs. KFEB - Dividend Comparison

Neither RSSE nor KFEB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSSE and KFEB in my portfolio?

RSSE and KFEB have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSSE or KFEB?

KFEB has higher volatility (1.55%) compared to RSSE (1.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSSE dropped -11.37% vs KFEB's -14.16%.

Which ETF is better, RSSE or KFEB?

On 1-year performance, KFEB leads with 23.62% vs 13.23% for RSSE. On fees, KFEB is cheaper at 0.79% 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, RSSE or KFEB?

Over the 1-year period, KFEB has performed better with a 23.62% return vs 13.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSSE or KFEB?

KFEB is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for RSSE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSSE or KFEB?

RSSE and KFEB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between RSSE and KFEB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for RSSE and 0.79% for KFEB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KFEB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.72), 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.