AAEQ vs. BUFX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

AAEQ (Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAEQ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AAEQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

AAEQ vs. BUFX - 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 Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAEQ achieves a 8.74% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.76% return.

AAEQ

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 1.74%
• 6M: 6.98%
• YTD: 8.74%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.86%
• 6M: 4.31%
• YTD: 4.76%
• 1Y: 9.47%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAEQ vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	8.74%	-1.11%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.76%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between AAEQ and BUFX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

AAEQ vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AAEQ

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

BUFX

BUFX Risk / Return Rank: 90
BUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
BUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
BUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
BUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
BUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

AAEQ vs. BUFX - 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 Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). 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.

	AAEQ	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.37	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.72	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.52	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.31	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	19.50	—

Drawdowns

AAEQ vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAEQ drawdown since its inception was -10.26%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAEQ and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAEQ	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	-2.87%	-7.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-0.02%	-0.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-0.24%	-2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.49%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAEQ	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.96%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.39%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.91%	4.02%	+9.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.91%	3.97%	+9.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.91%	3.97%	+9.94%

AAEQ vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAEQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAEQ vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	0.09%	0.10%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAEQ and BUFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, AAEQ and BUFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, AAEQ or BUFX?

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 BUFX?

AAEQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

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

What is the main difference between AAEQ and BUFX?

AAEQ is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAEQ and 0.96% for BUFX.