AAEQ vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAEQ (Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAEQ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AAEQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

AAEQ vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAEQ achieves a 8.91% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.45% return.

AAEQ

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.79%
• YTD: 8.91%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 2.45%
• 6M: 2.82%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAEQ vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	8.91%	-1.99%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.45%	0.29%

Correlation

The correlation between AAEQ and BUFH is 0.71, 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 Dec 11, 2025	0.71

Return for Risk

AAEQ vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) and FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAEQ	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.09	2.91	-1.82

Drawdowns

AAEQ vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAEQ drawdown since its inception was -10.26%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAEQ and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAEQ	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-1.53%	-8.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.05%	-0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-0.18%	-2.28%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAEQ	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.72%	2.37%	+11.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.72%	2.37%	+11.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.72%	2.37%	+11.35%

AAEQ vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAEQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAEQ vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

AAEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	0.09%	0.10%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAEQ and BUFH in my portfolio?

AAEQ and BUFH have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAEQ or BUFH?

On fees, AAEQ is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAEQ or BUFH?

AAEQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAEQ or BUFH?

AAEQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between AAEQ and BUFH?

AAEQ is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAEQ and 0.95% for BUFH.