BUFP vs. UGA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFP (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF) and UGA (United States Gasoline Fund LP) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFP is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the S&P 500, while UGA is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the Front Month Unleaded Gasoline. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BUFP returned 15.71% vs 59.74% for UGA. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. BUFP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for UGA.

Performance

BUFP vs. UGA - 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 United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFP achieves a 5.60% return, which is significantly lower than UGA's 64.09% return.

BUFP

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 5.60%
• 6M: 5.30%
• 1Y: 15.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

UGA

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -12.11%
• YTD: 64.09%
• 6M: 60.42%
• 1Y: 59.74%
• 3Y*: 18.95%
• 5Y*: 22.69%
• 10Y*: 14.31%

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

BUFP vs. UGA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	5.60%	12.92%	6.30%
UGA United States Gasoline Fund LP	64.09%	-2.00%	-1.75%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFP and UGA is -0.22, 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	-0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2024	-0.07

The correlation between BUFP and UGA shifts across timeframes, from -0.22 (1 year) to -0.07 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BUFP vs. UGA — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFP

BUFP Risk / Return Rank: 84
BUFP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
BUFP Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BUFP Omega Ratio Rank: 88
BUFP Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFP Martin Ratio Rank: 90

UGA

UGA Risk / Return Rank: 55
UGA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
UGA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
UGA Omega Ratio Rank: 49
UGA Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
UGA Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. UGA - 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 United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA). 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	UGA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	1.73	+0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	2.25	+1.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.30	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	3.17	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.56	9.39	+10.17

BUFP vs. UGA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFP Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is higher than the UGA Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFP and UGA, 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. UGA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFP drawdown since its inception was -11.98%, smaller than the maximum UGA drawdown of -86.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFP and UGA.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFP	UGA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.98%	-86.59%	+74.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.41%	-18.96%	+14.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-75.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-18.05%	+17.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.99%	-36.69%	+35.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.80%	6.43%	-5.63%

Volatility

BUFP vs. UGA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) is 2.12%, while United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA) has a volatility of 9.24%. This indicates that BUFP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UGA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFP	UGA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.12%	9.24%	-7.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.16%	30.57%	-25.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.43%	35.22%	-28.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.47%	34.45%	-24.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.47%	37.22%	-27.75%

BUFP vs. UGA - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than UGA's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFP vs. UGA - Dividend Comparison

BUFP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, while UGA 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%
UGA United States Gasoline Fund LP	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFP and UGA in my portfolio?

BUFP and UGA have a correlation of -0.22, 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 UGA?

UGA has higher volatility (9.24%) compared to BUFP (2.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFP dropped -11.98% vs UGA's -86.59%.

Which ETF is better, BUFP or UGA?

On 1-year performance, UGA leads with 59.74% vs 15.71% for BUFP. On fees, BUFP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, BUFP has been the lower-risk option at 2.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFP or UGA?

Over the 1-year period, UGA has performed better with a 59.74% return vs 15.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFP or UGA?

BUFP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for UGA.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFP and UGA?

BUFP is categorized as Defined Outcome, while UGA is Oil & Gas. BUFP tracks S&P 500, while UGA tracks Front Month Unleaded Gasoline. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Concierge Technologies. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BUFP and 0.75% for UGA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.73), 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.