BUFH vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while AFOS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by ARS Investment Partners. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFH charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

BUFH vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFH achieves a 2.49% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 36.79% return.

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 2.49%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 8.55%
• YTD: 36.79%
• 6M: 36.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFH vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.49%	3.89%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	36.79%	37.10%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFH and AFOS is 0.61, 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 26, 2025	0.61

Return for Risk

BUFH vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). 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.

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

Drawdowns

BUFH vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFH drawdown since its inception was -1.53%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFH and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFH	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-11.52%	+9.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	0.00%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-1.41%	+1.23%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFH	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.38%	21.17%	-18.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.38%	21.17%	-18.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.38%	21.17%	-18.79%

BUFH vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFH has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFH vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFH and AFOS in my portfolio?

BUFH and AFOS have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BUFH or AFOS?

On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFH or AFOS?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFH or AFOS?

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between BUFH and AFOS?

BUFH is categorized as Defined Outcome, while AFOS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFH and 0.45% for AFOS.