SMOM vs. FMAY

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SMOM (Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF) and FMAY (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May) are both exchange-traded funds - SMOM is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Symmetry Partners, while FMAY is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index May Series. SMOM is actively managed, while FMAY is passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMOM charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAY.

Performance

SMOM vs. FMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF (SMOM) 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, SMOM achieves a 8.22% return, which is significantly higher than FMAY's 5.63% return.

SMOM

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -0.30%
• 6M: 7.11%
• YTD: 8.22%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FMAY

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.36%
• 6M: 5.11%
• YTD: 5.63%
• 1Y: 12.16%
• 3Y*: 12.75%
• 5Y*: 9.23%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMOM vs. FMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMOM Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF	8.22%	2.78%
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	5.63%	3.38%

Correlation

The correlation between SMOM and FMAY is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2025	0.79

Return for Risk

SMOM vs. FMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMOM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FMAY

FMAY Risk / Return Rank: 78
FMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
FMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FMAY 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.

SMOM vs. FMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF (SMOM) 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.

	SMOM	FMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.86	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.69	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.38	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.90	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.91	—

Drawdowns

SMOM vs. FMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMOM drawdown since its inception was -7.45%, smaller than the maximum FMAY drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMOM and FMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMOM	FMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.45%	-13.60%	+6.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.22%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.46%	-0.28%	-1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.52%	-1.99%	+0.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.82%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMOM	FMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.13%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.56%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.49%	6.55%	+5.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.49%	10.66%	+1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.49%	10.14%	+2.35%

SMOM vs. FMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMOM has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than FMAY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMOM vs. FMAY - Dividend Comparison

SMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, while FMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
FMAY FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May	0.00%	0.00%
SMOM Symmetry Panoramic Sector Momentum ETF	0.15%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMOM and FMAY in my portfolio?

SMOM and FMAY have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMOM or FMAY?

On fees, SMOM is cheaper at 0.63% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMOM or FMAY?

SMOM is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FMAY.

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

SMOM has the higher dividend yield at 0.15%, compared with 0.00% for FMAY.

What is the main difference between SMOM and FMAY?

SMOM is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while FMAY is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Symmetry Partners and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for SMOM and 0.85% for FMAY.