AQEC vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AQEC (AQE Core ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AQEC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Arlington Asset Management, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AQEC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

AQEC vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AQE Core ETF (AQEC) 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, AQEC achieves a -9.41% return, which is significantly lower than BUFH's 2.49% return.

AQEC

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -4.85%
• YTD: -9.41%
• 6M: -9.50%
• 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)

AQEC vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AQEC AQE Core ETF	-9.41%	3.90%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.49%	1.12%

Correlation

The correlation between AQEC and BUFH is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

AQEC vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AQE Core ETF (AQEC) 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

AQEC vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AQEC drawdown since its inception was -12.81%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQEC and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	AQEC	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.81%	-1.53%	-11.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.67%	-0.07%	-11.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.10%	-0.18%	-4.92%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AQEC	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.30%	2.38%	+9.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.30%	2.38%	+9.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.30%	2.38%	+9.92%

AQEC vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

AQEC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

AQEC vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

AQEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AQEC AQE Core ETF	0.55%	0.13%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AQEC and BUFH in my portfolio?

AQEC and BUFH have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AQEC or BUFH?

On fees, AQEC is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AQEC or BUFH?

AQEC is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

AQEC has the higher dividend yield at 0.55%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between AQEC and BUFH?

AQEC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Arlington Asset Management and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for AQEC and 0.95% for BUFH.