Data as of .
DLAG vs GAUG: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 DLAG can fall 1.7% before its buffer engages and GAUG 1.6%.
These are two different products. GAUG is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DLAG is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Both are First Trust funds, so the difference between them is the terms rather than the house.
Where each one stands today
DLAG resets first, on Aug 20, 2027, 333 days from now; GAUG runs to Aug 20, 2027, 333 days. DLAG can still gain 11.7% before its cap, GAUG 12.1%. A fall from here reaches DLAG’s buffer after 1.7% and GAUG’s after 1.6%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLAG | GAUG | DLAG | GAUG | |
| 3 months | +1.9% | +1.7% | −0.3 pts | −0.5 pts |
| 6 months | +9.6% | +9.0% | −8.4 pts | −9.0 pts |
| 1 year | not published | +9.3% | not published | −7.3 pts |
| 3 years | not published | +39.6% | not published | −38.8 pts |
| DLAG FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August Absorbs the first 10% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 13.5%, over a period ending Aug 20, 2027 | GAUG FT Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August Absorbs the first 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 13.8%, over a period ending Aug 20, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | First Trust |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 10% | 15% |
| Outcome period | Aug 24, 2026 to Aug 20, 2027 | Aug 24, 2026 to Aug 20, 2027 |
| Days left | 333 | 333 |
| Starting cap | +13.5% | +13.8% |
| Can still gain | 11.7% | 12.1% |
| Fall before buffer | 1.7% | 1.6% |
| Protection left, index points | 10.0% of 10.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +1.1% | +1.1% |
| Fund return this period | +0.9% | +0.7% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.85% |
| Net assets | $15m | $416m |
DLAG in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 11.7% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.7% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 1.0% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 10.0% of the 10.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 333 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Aug 20, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
GAUG in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 12.1% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.6% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. Protection left, in index points: 15.0% of the 15.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DLAG or GAUG?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, DLAG can gain about 11.7% before its cap and GAUG about 12.1%, so GAUG has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DLAG or GAUG?
- DLAG ends its outcome period on Aug 20, 2027 and GAUG on Aug 20, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DLAG or GAUG?
- DLAG charges 0.85% a year and GAUG charges 0.85%, so DLAG is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, DLAG against GAUG, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/dlag-vs-gaug Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.