BUFH vs. VNSE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) and VNSE (Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while VNSE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Actively Managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFH charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for VNSE.

Performance

BUFH vs. VNSE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) and Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFH achieves a 2.45% return, which is significantly lower than VNSE's 8.88% return.

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 2.45%
• 6M: 2.82%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VNSE

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 2.88%
• YTD: 8.88%
• 6M: 8.63%
• 1Y: 23.60%
• 3Y*: 13.73%
• 5Y*: 10.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFH vs. VNSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.45%	3.89%
VNSE Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF	8.88%	9.69%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFH and VNSE is 0.67, 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	0.67

Return for Risk

BUFH vs. VNSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VNSE

VNSE Risk / Return Rank: 49
VNSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VNSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VNSE Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VNSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VNSE Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

BUFH vs. VNSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) and Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFH	VNSE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.91	0.85	+2.06

Drawdowns

BUFH vs. VNSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFH drawdown since its inception was -1.53%, smaller than the maximum VNSE drawdown of -24.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFH and VNSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFH	VNSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-24.21%	+22.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.89%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-0.29%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-5.52%	+5.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.94%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFH	VNSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.34%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.72%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37%	13.76%	-11.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.37%	17.20%	-14.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.37%	17.14%	-14.77%

BUFH vs. VNSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFH has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VNSE's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFH vs. VNSE - Dividend Comparison

BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VNSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.20%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VNSE Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF	0.20%	0.21%	0.00%	0.21%	7.01%	19.65%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFH and VNSE in my portfolio?

BUFH and VNSE have a correlation of 0.67, 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 VNSE?

On fees, VNSE is cheaper at 0.80% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFH or VNSE?

VNSE is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

VNSE has the higher dividend yield at 0.20%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between BUFH and VNSE?

BUFH is categorized as Defined Outcome, while VNSE is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Natixis. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFH and 0.80% for VNSE.