TSEP vs. APRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TSEP (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September) and APRB (Aptus April Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TSEP charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for APRB.

Performance

TSEP vs. APRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) and Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TSEP achieves a 9.07% return, which is significantly higher than APRB's 4.77% return.

TSEP

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 9.07%
• 6M: 10.71%
• 1Y: 23.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APRB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 6M: 5.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TSEP vs. APRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TSEP FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September	9.07%	3.28%
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	4.77%	2.48%

Correlation

The correlation between TSEP and APRB is 0.78, 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 Oct 15, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

TSEP vs. APRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSEP

TSEP Risk / Return Rank: 74
TSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
TSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
TSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 80
TSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
TSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

TSEP vs. APRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) and Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB). 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.

	TSEP	APRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.65	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TSEP	APRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.46	2.00	-0.54

Drawdowns

TSEP vs. APRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSEP drawdown since its inception was -9.83%, which is greater than APRB's maximum drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSEP and APRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSEP	APRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.83%	-4.59%	-5.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.11%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.69%	-0.74%	-0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.76%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TSEP	APRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.09%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.98%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.17%	5.98%	+4.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.37%	5.98%	+5.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.37%	5.98%	+5.39%

TSEP vs. APRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSEP has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than APRB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

TSEP vs. APRB - Dividend Comparison

Neither TSEP nor APRB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TSEP and APRB in my portfolio?

TSEP and APRB have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, TSEP or APRB?

On fees, APRB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, TSEP or APRB?

APRB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TSEP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TSEP or APRB?

TSEP and APRB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between TSEP and APRB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for TSEP and 0.25% for APRB.