ARLU vs. BUFR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ARLU (Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF) and BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARLU is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Allianz, while BUFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ARLU returned 19.35% vs 17.61% for BUFR. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ARLU charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFR.

Performance

ARLU vs. BUFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ARLU having a 6.41% return and BUFR slightly higher at 6.42%.

ARLU

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 4.52%
• YTD: 6.41%
• 6M: 6.03%
• 1Y: 19.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFR

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 7.11%
• 1Y: 17.61%
• 3Y*: 14.50%
• 5Y*: 9.98%
• 10Y*: —

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

ARLU vs. BUFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ARLU Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF	6.41%	11.27%	9.00%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.42%	12.44%	9.17%

Correlation

The correlation between ARLU and BUFR is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2024	0.96

The correlation between ARLU and BUFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ARLU vs. BUFR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ARLU

ARLU Risk / Return Rank: 49
ARLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
ARLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
ARLU Omega Ratio Rank: 51
ARLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
ARLU Martin Ratio Rank: 53

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 84
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 89

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ARLU vs. BUFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). 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.

	ARLU	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.71	-0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	3.95	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.55	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	3.84	-1.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.00	20.78	-11.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ARLU vs. BUFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARLU Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is lower than the BUFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARLU and BUFR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ARLU	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	2.71	-0.97
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.96	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.00	1.07	-0.07

Drawdowns

ARLU vs. BUFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARLU drawdown since its inception was -15.38%, which is greater than BUFR's maximum drawdown of -13.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARLU and BUFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARLU	BUFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.38%	-13.73%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-4.61%	-5.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.81%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-0.21%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.23%	-2.09%	-0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	0.85%	+1.30%

Volatility

ARLU vs. BUFR - Volatility Comparison

Allianzim U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) has a higher volatility of 2.63% compared to FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) at 1.03%. This indicates that ARLU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARLU	BUFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.63%	1.03%	+1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.73%	4.95%	+3.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.13%	6.53%	+4.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.56%	10.44%	+2.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.56%	10.23%	+2.33%

ARLU vs. BUFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARLU has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARLU vs. BUFR - Dividend Comparison

Neither ARLU nor BUFR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARLU and BUFR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ARLU and BUFR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ARLU or BUFR?

ARLU has higher volatility (2.63%) compared to BUFR (1.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARLU dropped -15.38% vs BUFR's -13.73%.

Which ETF is better, ARLU or BUFR?

On 1-year performance, ARLU leads with 19.35% vs 17.61% for BUFR. On fees, ARLU is cheaper at 0.74% per year. On volatility, BUFR has been the lower-risk option at 1.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARLU or BUFR?

Over the 1-year period, ARLU has performed better with a 19.35% return vs 17.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARLU or BUFR?

ARLU is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARLU or BUFR?

ARLU and BUFR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ARLU and BUFR?

ARLU is categorized as Options Trading, while BUFR is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Allianz and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for ARLU and 0.95% for BUFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.75), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.