BUFF vs. BUFR

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) and BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. BUFF is passively managed, while BUFR is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUFF returned 8.80%/yr vs 10.12%/yr for BUFR. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFR.

Performance

BUFF vs. BUFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFF achieves a 5.70% return, which is significantly lower than BUFR's 6.64% return.

BUFF

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.89%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 6.36%
• 1Y: 15.04%
• 3Y*: 12.57%
• 5Y*: 8.80%
• 10Y*: —

BUFR

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 2.20%
• YTD: 6.64%
• 6M: 7.55%
• 1Y: 18.35%
• 3Y*: 14.58%
• 5Y*: 10.12%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFF vs. BUFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.70%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-4.44%	8.37%	5.08%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.64%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	-7.57%	11.88%	7.57%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFF and BUFR is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 12, 2020	0.91

The correlation between BUFF and BUFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

BUFF vs. BUFR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUFF	BUFR
Technology	36.2%	35.8%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.8%
Communication Services	10.9%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.2%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.4%
Industrials	8.1%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.3%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

BUFF vs. BUFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 89
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 92
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 87
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

BUFF vs. BUFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) 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.

	BUFF	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	2.83	+0.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.44	4.10	+0.34
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.57	+0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	4.08	+0.23
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	23.03	22.10	+0.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUFF vs. BUFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFF Sharpe Ratio is 2.94, which is comparable to the BUFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFF 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

	BUFF	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.94	2.83	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.05	0.97	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	1.08	-0.58

Drawdowns

BUFF vs. BUFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFF drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than BUFR's maximum drawdown of -13.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFF and BUFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFF	BUFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-13.73%	-32.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.58%	-4.61%	+1.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.24%	-12.81%	+2.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.24%	-13.73%	+3.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.19%	-2.09%	-4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	0.85%	-0.18%

Volatility

BUFF vs. BUFR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) is 0.96%, while FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) has a volatility of 1.02%. This indicates that BUFF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFF	BUFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.96%	1.02%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.82%	4.95%	-1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.15%	6.53%	-1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.41%	10.45%	-2.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.68%	10.23%	+7.45%

BUFF vs. BUFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFF has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFF vs. BUFR - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFF nor BUFR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFF and BUFR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, BUFF 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, BUFF or BUFR?

BUFR has higher volatility (1.02%) compared to BUFF (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFF dropped -46.23% vs BUFR's -13.73%.

Which ETF is better, BUFF or BUFR?

On 5-year performance, BUFR leads with 10.12% vs 8.80% for BUFF. On fees, BUFF is cheaper at 0.89% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFF or BUFR?

Over the 5-year period, BUFR has performed better with a 10.12% return vs 8.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFF or BUFR?

BUFF is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFF and BUFR?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BUFF and 0.95% for BUFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.83), 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.