AQEC vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AQEC (AQE Core ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AQEC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Arlington Asset Management, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AQEC charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

AQEC vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AQE Core ETF (AQEC) 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, AQEC achieves a -7.82% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 4.10% return.

AQEC

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -1.25%
• YTD: -7.82%
• 6M: -7.01%
• 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)

AQEC vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AQEC AQE Core ETF	-7.82%	3.71%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	2.05%

Correlation

The correlation between AQEC and BUFX is 0.63, 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 19, 2025	0.63

Return for Risk

AQEC vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	AQEC	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.67	2.68	-3.36

Drawdowns

AQEC vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AQEC drawdown since its inception was -12.81%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AQEC and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AQEC	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.81%	-2.87%	-9.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.12%	-0.07%	-10.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-0.24%	-4.55%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AQEC	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.07%	3.98%	+8.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.07%	3.98%	+8.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.07%	3.98%	+8.09%

AQEC vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AQEC has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

AQEC vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

AQEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.54%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AQEC AQE Core ETF	0.54%	0.13%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AQEC and BUFX in my portfolio?

AQEC and BUFX have a correlation of 0.63, 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 BUFX?

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 BUFX?

AQEC is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

AQEC has the higher dividend yield at 0.54%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between AQEC and BUFX?

AQEC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Arlington Asset Management and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for AQEC and 0.96% for BUFX.