ACEP vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ACEP (ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ACEP is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by ARS Investment Partners, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ACEP charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

ACEP vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF (ACEP) 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, ACEP achieves a 24.34% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.10% return.

ACEP

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 8.05%
• YTD: 24.34%
• 6M: 27.14%
• 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)

ACEP vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ACEP ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF	24.34%	7.88%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	2.05%

Correlation

The correlation between ACEP and BUFX 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 Nov 24, 2025	0.71

Return for Risk

ACEP vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF (ACEP) 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

	ACEP	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.41	2.68	+1.73

Drawdowns

ACEP vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACEP drawdown since its inception was -7.06%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACEP and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACEP	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-2.87%	-4.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.69%	-0.07%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.41%	-0.24%	-1.17%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ACEP	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.29%	3.98%	+13.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	3.98%	+13.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.29%	3.98%	+13.31%

ACEP vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACEP has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACEP vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

ACEP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
ACEP ARS Core Equity Portfolio ETF	0.11%	0.14%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACEP and BUFX in my portfolio?

ACEP and BUFX 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, ACEP or BUFX?

On fees, ACEP is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACEP or BUFX?

ACEP is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

ACEP has the higher dividend yield at 0.11%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between ACEP and BUFX?

ACEP is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: ARS Investment Partners and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for ACEP and 0.96% for BUFX.