BUFG vs. YCS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFG (FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF) and YCS (ProShares UltraShort Yen) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFG is a Options Trading fund actively managed by FT Vest, while YCS is a Leveraged Currency fund tracking the USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). BUFG is actively managed, while YCS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUFG returned 13.85%/yr vs 18.43%/yr for YCS. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. BUFG charges 1.05%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for YCS.

Performance

BUFG vs. YCS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS). 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 YCS's 9.78% return.

BUFG

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

YCS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 3.71%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 9.63%
• 1Y: 31.36%
• 3Y*: 18.43%
• 5Y*: 23.50%
• 10Y*: 13.63%

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

BUFG vs. YCS - 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%
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen	9.78%	9.04%	35.41%	28.70%	29.09%	1.46%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFG and YCS is -0.21, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2021	-0.04

The correlation between BUFG and YCS shifts across timeframes, from -0.21 (1 year) to -0.04 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BUFG vs. YCS — 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

YCS

YCS Risk / Return Rank: 61
YCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
YCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
YCS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
YCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
YCS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. YCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS). 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	YCS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	1.86	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.27	2.37	+0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.35	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	3.79	-0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.84	11.86	+3.98

BUFG vs. YCS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFG Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the YCS Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFG and YCS, 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. YCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFG drawdown since its inception was -17.62%, smaller than the maximum YCS drawdown of -49.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFG and YCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFG	YCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.62%	-49.56%	+31.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.74%	-8.30%	+2.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.20%	-23.05%	+9.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.32%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-27.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	0.00%	-0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-19.88%	+16.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.10%	2.65%	-1.55%

Volatility

BUFG vs. YCS - Volatility Comparison

FT Cboe Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS) have volatilities of 2.28% and 2.22%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFG	YCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	2.22%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.13%	12.19%	-6.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.68%	16.96%	-9.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.82%	21.10%	-9.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.82%	18.96%	-7.14%

BUFG vs. YCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFG has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than YCS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFG vs. YCS - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFG nor YCS has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFG and YCS in my portfolio?

BUFG and YCS have a correlation of -0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFG or YCS?

BUFG has higher volatility (2.28%) compared to YCS (2.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFG dropped -17.62% vs YCS's -49.56%.

Which ETF is better, BUFG or YCS?

On 3-year performance, YCS leads with 18.43% vs 13.85% for BUFG. On fees, YCS is cheaper at 1.00% 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, BUFG or YCS?

Over the 3-year period, YCS has performed better with a 18.43% 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 YCS?

YCS is cheaper with a 1.00% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for BUFG.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFG and YCS?

BUFG is categorized as Options Trading, while YCS is Leveraged Currency. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 1.05% for BUFG and 1.00% for YCS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.86), 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.