BUFG vs. FSEP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFG (FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF) and FSEP (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September) are both Options Trading funds from FT Vest. BUFG is actively managed, while FSEP is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUFG returned 13.85%/yr vs 13.93%/yr for FSEP. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFG charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FSEP.

Performance

BUFG vs. FSEP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFG achieves a 6.18% return, which is significantly lower than FSEP's 6.67% return.

BUFG

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 5.79%
• 1Y: 17.40%
• 3Y*: 13.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FSEP

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 6.67%
• 6M: 6.57%
• 1Y: 17.76%
• 3Y*: 13.93%
• 5Y*: 10.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFG vs. FSEP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BUFG FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF	6.18%	12.33%	15.13%	18.49%	-11.61%	1.50%
FSEP FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September	6.67%	12.83%	13.56%	20.23%	-7.05%	2.13%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFG and FSEP is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2021	0.94

The correlation between BUFG and FSEP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFG vs. FSEP — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFG

BUFG Risk / Return Rank: 75
BUFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
BUFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
BUFG Omega Ratio Rank: 78
BUFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
BUFG Martin Ratio Rank: 82

FSEP

FSEP Risk / Return Rank: 77
FSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

BUFG vs. FSEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP). 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.

	BUFG	FSEP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.35	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.27	3.37	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.46	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	3.18	-0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.84	15.86	-0.02

BUFG vs. FSEP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFG Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the FSEP Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFG and FSEP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BUFG vs. FSEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFG drawdown since its inception was -17.62%, which is greater than FSEP's maximum drawdown of -13.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFG and FSEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFG	FSEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.62%	-13.79%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.74%	-5.62%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.20%	-12.37%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-0.16%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-2.12%	-1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.10%	1.12%	-0.02%

Volatility

BUFG vs. FSEP - Volatility Comparison

FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) has a higher volatility of 2.28% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) at 2.03%. This indicates that BUFG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSEP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFG	FSEP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	2.03%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.13%	6.00%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.68%	7.59%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.82%	10.82%	+1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.82%	10.53%	+1.29%

BUFG vs. FSEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFG has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than FSEP's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFG vs. FSEP - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFG nor FSEP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFG and FSEP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, BUFG and FSEP 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, BUFG or FSEP?

BUFG has higher volatility (2.28%) compared to FSEP (2.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFG dropped -17.62% vs FSEP's -13.79%.

Which ETF is better, BUFG or FSEP?

On 3-year performance, FSEP leads with 13.93% vs 13.85% for BUFG. On fees, FSEP is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, FSEP has been the lower-risk option at 2.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFG or FSEP?

Over the 3-year period, FSEP has performed better with a 13.93% return vs 13.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFG or FSEP?

FSEP is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for BUFG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFG or FSEP?

BUFG and FSEP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUFG and FSEP?

Their fees differ too: 1.05% for BUFG and 0.85% for FSEP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSEP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 2.28), 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.