AFOS vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFOS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by ARS Investment Partners, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFOS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

AFOS vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) 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, AFOS achieves a 36.79% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.49% return.

AFOS

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 8.55%
• YTD: 36.79%
• 6M: 36.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 2.49%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFOS vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	36.79%	37.10%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.49%	3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between AFOS and BUFH is 0.61, 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.61

Return for Risk

AFOS vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) 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.

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.

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

Drawdowns

AFOS vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFOS drawdown since its inception was -11.52%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFOS and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFOS	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.52%	-1.53%	-9.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.07%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.41%	-0.18%	-1.23%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFOS	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.17%	2.38%	+18.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	2.38%	+18.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.17%	2.38%	+18.79%

AFOS vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFOS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFOS vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFOS and BUFH in my portfolio?

AFOS and BUFH have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AFOS or BUFH?

On fees, AFOS 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, AFOS or BUFH?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between AFOS and BUFH?

AFOS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: ARS Investment Partners and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for AFOS and 0.95% for BUFH.