Data as of .
DSEP vs XSEP: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 DSEP can fall 6.6% before its buffer engages and XSEP 1.2%.
These are two different products. XSEP is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DSEP 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
DSEP resets first, on Sep 17, 2027, 361 days from now; XSEP runs to Sep 17, 2027, 361 days. DSEP can still gain 12.8% before its cap, XSEP 9.9%. A fall from here reaches DSEP’s buffer after 6.6% and XSEP’s after 1.2%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSEP | XSEP | DSEP | XSEP | |
| 3 months | +3.1% | +2.0% | +0.8 pts | −0.3 pts |
| 6 months | +11.2% | +8.3% | −6.8 pts | −9.7 pts |
| 1 year | +10.8% | +8.8% | −5.7 pts | −7.7 pts |
| 3 years | +40.5% | +31.3% | −37.9 pts | −47.1 pts |
| DSEP FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September Absorbs losses from 5.0% to 30.0% on SPY and caps the gain at 14.6%, over a period ending Sep 17, 2027 | XSEP FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - September Absorbs the first 0% to 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 11.2%, over a period ending Sep 17, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | First Trust |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 5% to 30% | 0% to 15% |
| Outcome period | Sep 21, 2026 to Sep 17, 2027 | Sep 21, 2026 to Sep 17, 2027 |
| Days left | 361 | 361 |
| Starting cap | +14.6% | +11.2% |
| Can still gain | 12.8% | 9.9% |
| Fall before buffer | 6.6% | 1.2% |
| Protection left, index points | 25.0% of 25.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +1.6% | +1.6% |
| Fund return this period | +0.8% | +0.4% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.85% |
| Net assets | $613m | $164m |
DSEP in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 12.8% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 6.6% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 6.5% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 25.0% of the 25.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 361 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Sep 17, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
XSEP in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 9.9% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.2% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 1.6% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. 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, DSEP or XSEP?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, DSEP can gain about 12.8% before its cap and XSEP about 9.9%, so DSEP has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DSEP or XSEP?
- DSEP ends its outcome period on Sep 17, 2027 and XSEP on Sep 17, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DSEP or XSEP?
- DSEP charges 0.85% a year and XSEP charges 0.85%, so DSEP 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, DSEP against XSEP, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/dsep-vs-xsep Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.