TDEC vs. FFEB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) and FFEB (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February) are both Defined Outcome funds from FT Vest. TDEC is passively managed, while FFEB is actively managed. Over the past year, TDEC returned 20.35% vs 17.62% for FFEB. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TDEC charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FFEB.

Performance

TDEC vs. FFEB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TDEC achieves a 7.66% return, which is significantly higher than FFEB's 6.88% return.

TDEC

• 1D: -2.13%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 7.66%
• 6M: 8.74%
• 1Y: 20.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FFEB

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 6.88%
• 6M: 6.77%
• 1Y: 17.62%
• 3Y*: 15.58%
• 5Y*: 10.75%
• 10Y*: —

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

TDEC vs. FFEB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	7.66%	21.39%	-0.75%
FFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February	6.88%	13.76%	-0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between TDEC and FFEB is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.67

The correlation between TDEC and FFEB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TDEC vs. FFEB — Risk / Return Rank

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

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 65
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 79
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FFEB

FFEB Risk / Return Rank: 81
FFEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
FFEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FFEB Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FFEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FFEB Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

TDEC vs. FFEB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB). 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.

	TDEC	FFEB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.45	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	3.52	-0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.49	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	3.09	-0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.81	16.18	-5.37

TDEC vs. FFEB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TDEC Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the FFEB Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TDEC and FFEB, 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

TDEC vs. FFEB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TDEC drawdown since its inception was -10.30%, smaller than the maximum FFEB drawdown of -23.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TDEC and FFEB.

Drawdown Indicators

	TDEC	FFEB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.30%	-23.14%	+12.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.16%	-5.73%	-2.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.13%	-1.01%	-1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.05%	-2.41%	+1.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	1.09%	+0.80%

Volatility

TDEC vs. FFEB - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) has a higher volatility of 4.52% compared to FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB) at 2.27%. This indicates that TDEC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FFEB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TDEC	FFEB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	2.27%	+2.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	5.91%	+4.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.71%	7.26%	+3.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.03%	10.83%	+1.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.03%	13.72%	-1.69%

TDEC vs. FFEB - Expense Ratio Comparison

TDEC has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than FFEB's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

TDEC vs. FFEB - Dividend Comparison

Neither TDEC nor FFEB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TDEC and FFEB in my portfolio?

TDEC and FFEB have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TDEC or FFEB?

TDEC has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to FFEB (2.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TDEC dropped -10.30% vs FFEB's -23.14%.

Which ETF is better, TDEC or FFEB?

On 1-year performance, TDEC leads with 20.35% vs 17.62% for FFEB. On fees, FFEB is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, FFEB has been the lower-risk option at 2.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TDEC or FFEB?

Over the 1-year period, TDEC has performed better with a 20.35% return vs 17.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TDEC or FFEB?

FFEB is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TDEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TDEC or FFEB?

TDEC and FFEB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between TDEC and FFEB?

Their fees differ too: 0.95% for TDEC and 0.85% for FFEB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FFEB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.91), 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.