TSEP vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TSEP (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TSEP is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while ROBT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. TSEP is actively managed, while ROBT is passively managed. Over the past year, TSEP returned 23.23% vs 20.72% for ROBT. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TSEP charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ROBT.

Performance

TSEP vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TSEP achieves a 9.89% return, which is significantly higher than ROBT's 6.06% return.

TSEP

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: 9.89%
• 6M: 10.86%
• 1Y: 23.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ROBT

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 6.06%
• 6M: 3.83%
• 1Y: 20.72%
• 3Y*: 7.82%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

TSEP vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TSEP FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September	9.89%	20.91%	-1.99%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	6.06%	15.16%	6.23%

Correlation

The correlation between TSEP and ROBT is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2024	0.68

The correlation between TSEP and ROBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TSEP vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSEP

TSEP Risk / Return Rank: 73
TSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
TSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
TSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 80
TSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
TSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 72

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 23
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 22
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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.

	TSEP	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	0.84	+1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	1.27	+1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.15	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	0.96	+2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.14	2.69	+10.45

TSEP vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TSEP Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is higher than the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TSEP and ROBT, 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

TSEP vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSEP drawdown since its inception was -9.83%, smaller than the maximum ROBT drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSEP and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSEP	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.83%	-44.47%	+34.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.25%	-21.66%	+14.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-8.74%	+8.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.66%	-15.92%	+14.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.77%	7.72%	-5.95%

Volatility

TSEP vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) is 2.79%, while First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) has a volatility of 10.60%. This indicates that TSEP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ROBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TSEP	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.79%	10.60%	-7.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.27%	19.20%	-10.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.26%	24.69%	-14.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.37%	25.46%	-14.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.37%	25.58%	-14.21%

TSEP vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSEP has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

TSEP vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

Neither TSEP nor ROBT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%
TSEP FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TSEP and ROBT in my portfolio?

TSEP and ROBT have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TSEP or ROBT?

ROBT has higher volatility (10.60%) compared to TSEP (2.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TSEP dropped -9.83% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, TSEP or ROBT?

On 1-year performance, TSEP leads with 23.23% vs 20.72% for ROBT. On fees, ROBT is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, TSEP has been the lower-risk option at 2.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TSEP or ROBT?

Over the 1-year period, TSEP has performed better with a 23.23% return vs 20.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TSEP or ROBT?

ROBT is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TSEP.

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

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

What is the main difference between TSEP and ROBT?

TSEP is categorized as Defined Outcome, while ROBT is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for TSEP and 0.65% for ROBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TSEP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 0.84), 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.