TDEC vs. TMAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TDEC (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December) and TMAR (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March) are both Defined Outcome funds - TDEC tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets while TMAR tracks the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) Price Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, TDEC returned 23.62% vs 29.13% for TMAR. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

TDEC vs. TMAR - 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 Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TDEC achieves a 10.01% return, which is significantly lower than TMAR's 15.63% return.

TDEC

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 10.01%
• 6M: 11.45%
• 1Y: 23.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TMAR

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 2.88%
• YTD: 15.63%
• 6M: 16.19%
• 1Y: 29.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TDEC vs. TMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TDEC FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December	10.01%	16.33%
TMAR FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March	15.63%	15.97%

Correlation

The correlation between TDEC and TMAR is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2025	0.84

The correlation between TDEC and TMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TDEC vs. TMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

TDEC

TDEC Risk / Return Rank: 73
TDEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
TDEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
TDEC Omega Ratio Rank: 87
TDEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
TDEC Martin Ratio Rank: 70

TMAR

TMAR Risk / Return Rank: 92
TMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
TMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
TMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 95
TMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
TMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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. TMAR - 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 Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). 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	TMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	2.78	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	4.03	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.70	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	6.24	-3.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.58	31.24	-18.65

TDEC vs. TMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TDEC Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is comparable to the TMAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TDEC and TMAR, 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. TMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TDEC drawdown since its inception was -10.30%, roughly equal to the maximum TMAR drawdown of -9.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TDEC and TMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	TDEC	TMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.30%	-9.93%	-0.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.16%	-4.69%	-3.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.04%	-0.71%	-0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	0.93%	+0.95%

Volatility

TDEC vs. TMAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) is 3.93%, while FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR) has a volatility of 5.53%. This indicates that TDEC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TDEC	TMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.93%	5.53%	-1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.72%	9.55%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.50%	10.55%	-0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.91%	12.08%	-0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.91%	12.08%	-0.17%

TDEC vs. TMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both TDEC and TMAR have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

TDEC vs. TMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither TDEC nor TMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TDEC and TMAR in my portfolio?

TDEC and TMAR have a correlation of 0.83, 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 TMAR?

TMAR has higher volatility (5.53%) compared to TDEC (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TDEC dropped -10.30% vs TMAR's -9.93%.

Which ETF is better, TDEC or TMAR?

On 1-year performance, TMAR leads with 29.13% vs 23.62% for TDEC. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, TDEC has been the lower-risk option at 3.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TDEC or TMAR?

Over the 1-year period, TMAR has performed better with a 29.13% return vs 23.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TDEC or TMAR?

TDEC and TMAR have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

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

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

What is the main difference between TDEC and TMAR?

TDEC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets, while TMAR tracks iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) Price Return. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.27), 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.