AAUS vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS 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 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

AAUS vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) 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, AAUS achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.10% return.

AAUS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 6M: 9.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 4.88%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	4.10%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and BUFX is 0.90, 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 Jul 24, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAUS	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	2.68	-0.78

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-2.87%	-6.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.07%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-0.24%	-1.07%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	3.98%	+8.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	3.98%	+8.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	3.98%	+8.47%

AAUS vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

AAUS vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and BUFX in my portfolio?

AAUS and BUFX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAUS or BUFX?

On fees, AAUS 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, AAUS or BUFX?

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

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

AAUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between AAUS and BUFX?

AAUS 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 AAUS and 0.96% for BUFX.