BTR vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

BTR (Beacon Tactical Risk ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BTR is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by American Beacon, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, BTR returned 16.92% vs 9.40% for BUFX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BTR charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

BTR vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR) 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, BTR achieves a 8.00% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.77% return.

BTR

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -0.67%
• YTD: 8.00%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 16.92%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 3.77%
• 6M: 3.59%
• 1Y: 9.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BTR vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	8.00%	8.26%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.77%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between BTR and BUFX is 0.74, 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 25, 2025	0.74

Return for Risk

BTR vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTR

BTR Risk / Return Rank: 61
BTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
BTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
BTR Omega Ratio Rank: 57
BTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
BTR Martin Ratio Rank: 66

BUFX

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

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.

BTR vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Beacon Tactical Risk ETF (BTR) 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.

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.

	BTR	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.46	—	—

Drawdowns

BTR vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTR drawdown since its inception was -16.67%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTR and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTR	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.67%	-2.87%	-13.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-2.87%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.67%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-0.65%	-0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.50%	-0.25%	-5.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.62%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BTR	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.86%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.35%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.96%	4.04%	+5.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.91%	4.04%	+6.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.91%	4.04%	+6.87%

BTR vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTR has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTR vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

BTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BTR Beacon Tactical Risk ETF	1.19%	1.29%	0.87%	0.91%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTR and BUFX in my portfolio?

BTR and BUFX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BTR or BUFX?

On 1-year performance, BTR leads with 16.92% vs 9.40% for BUFX. On fees, BUFX is cheaper at 0.96% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTR or BUFX?

Over the 1-year period, BTR has performed better with a 16.92% return vs 9.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTR or BUFX?

BUFX is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BTR.

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

BTR has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between BTR and BUFX?

BTR is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: American Beacon and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.10% for BTR and 0.96% for BUFX.