SEPM vs. DMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SEPM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - September) and DMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. SEPM is actively managed, while DMAX is passively managed. Over the past year, SEPM returned 7.59% vs 8.23% for DMAX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEPM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for DMAX.

Performance

SEPM vs. DMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - September (SEPM) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEPM achieves a 3.08% return, which is significantly higher than DMAX's 2.34% return.

SEPM

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 3.08%
• 6M: 3.10%
• 1Y: 7.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DMAX

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 2.34%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: 8.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SEPM vs. DMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SEPM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - September	3.08%	6.61%
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	2.34%	7.51%

Correlation

The correlation between SEPM and DMAX is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.84

The correlation between SEPM and DMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEPM vs. DMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEPM

SEPM Risk / Return Rank: 90
SEPM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SEPM Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SEPM Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SEPM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
SEPM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

DMAX

DMAX Risk / Return Rank: 95
DMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
DMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
DMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
DMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

SEPM vs. DMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - September (SEPM) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX). 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.

	SEPM	DMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.01	3.55	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.63	5.45	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.76	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.18	5.85	-1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.06	29.41	-8.34

SEPM vs. DMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEPM Sharpe Ratio is 3.01, which is comparable to the DMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEPM and DMAX, 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

SEPM vs. DMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEPM drawdown since its inception was -3.88%, which is greater than DMAX's maximum drawdown of -3.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEPM and DMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEPM	DMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.88%	-3.37%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.82%	-1.41%	-0.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.24%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.36%	-0.38%	+0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.36%	0.28%	+0.08%

Volatility

SEPM vs. DMAX - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - September (SEPM) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX) have volatilities of 0.65% and 0.64%, 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

	SEPM	DMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.65%	0.64%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.03%	1.64%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.54%	2.34%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.48%	3.38%	+0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.48%	3.38%	+0.10%

SEPM vs. DMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEPM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than DMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEPM vs. DMAX - Dividend Comparison

SEPM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%.

Position	TTM	2025
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	1.15%	1.18%
SEPM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEPM and DMAX in my portfolio?

SEPM and DMAX have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEPM or DMAX?

SEPM has higher volatility (0.65%) compared to DMAX (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEPM dropped -3.88% vs DMAX's -3.37%.

Which ETF is better, SEPM or DMAX?

On 1-year performance, DMAX leads with 8.23% vs 7.59% for SEPM. On fees, DMAX is cheaper at 0.50% 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, SEPM or DMAX?

Over the 1-year period, DMAX has performed better with a 8.23% return vs 7.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEPM or DMAX?

DMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for SEPM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEPM or DMAX?

DMAX has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.00% for SEPM.

What is the main difference between SEPM and DMAX?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for SEPM and 0.50% for DMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.55 vs 3.01), 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.