BUFP vs. TMAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFP (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF) and TMAR (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March) are both Defined Outcome funds - BUFP tracks the S&P 500 while TMAR tracks the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) Price Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BUFP returned 17.31% vs 29.13% for TMAR. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TMAR.

Performance

BUFP vs. TMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFP achieves a 6.33% return, which is significantly lower than TMAR's 15.63% return.

BUFP

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 6.33%
• 6M: 6.42%
• 1Y: 17.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TMAR

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 2.88%
• YTD: 15.63%
• 6M: 16.19%
• 1Y: 29.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFP vs. TMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	6.33%	14.47%
TMAR FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March	15.63%	15.97%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFP and TMAR is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2025	0.63

The correlation between BUFP and TMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFP vs. TMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFP

BUFP Risk / Return Rank: 88
BUFP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BUFP Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFP Omega Ratio Rank: 91
BUFP Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
BUFP Martin Ratio Rank: 92

TMAR

TMAR Risk / Return Rank: 92
TMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
TMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
TMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 95
TMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
TMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

BUFP vs. TMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). 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.

	BUFP	TMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	2.78	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.02	4.03	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.70	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.94	6.24	-2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.61	31.24	-9.63

BUFP vs. TMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFP Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is comparable to the TMAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFP and TMAR, 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

BUFP vs. TMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFP drawdown since its inception was -11.98%, which is greater than TMAR's maximum drawdown of -9.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFP and TMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFP	TMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.98%	-9.93%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.41%	-4.69%	+0.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	0.00%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.99%	-0.71%	-0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.80%	0.93%	-0.13%

Volatility

BUFP vs. TMAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) is 1.99%, while FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR) has a volatility of 5.53%. This indicates that BUFP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFP	TMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.99%	5.53%	-3.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.11%	9.55%	-4.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.40%	10.55%	-4.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.46%	12.08%	-2.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.46%	12.08%	-2.62%

BUFP vs. TMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than TMAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFP vs. TMAR - Dividend Comparison

BUFP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, while TMAR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.02%
TMAR FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFP and TMAR in my portfolio?

BUFP and TMAR have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFP or TMAR?

TMAR has higher volatility (5.53%) compared to BUFP (1.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFP dropped -11.98% vs TMAR's -9.93%.

Which ETF is better, BUFP or TMAR?

On 1-year performance, TMAR leads with 29.13% vs 17.31% for BUFP. On fees, BUFP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, BUFP has been the lower-risk option at 1.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFP or TMAR?

Over the 1-year period, TMAR has performed better with a 29.13% return vs 17.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFP or TMAR?

BUFP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TMAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFP or TMAR?

BUFP has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for TMAR.

What is the main difference between BUFP and TMAR?

BUFP tracks S&P 500, while TMAR tracks iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) Price Return. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BUFP and 0.95% for TMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.72), 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.