BUFR vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. BUFR is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUFR returned 9.85%/yr vs 8.63%/yr for BUFF. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

BUFR vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFR achieves a 6.33% return, which is significantly higher than BUFF's 5.42% return.

BUFR

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 6.33%
• 6M: 6.24%
• 1Y: 17.48%
• 3Y*: 13.95%
• 5Y*: 9.85%
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.44%
• 1Y: 14.44%
• 3Y*: 12.10%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFR vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.33%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	-7.57%	11.88%	6.60%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.42%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-4.44%	8.37%	4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFR and BUFF is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 11, 2020	0.91

The correlation between BUFR and BUFF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFR vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 91

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 89
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 91
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

BUFR vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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.

	BUFR	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	2.76	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	4.16	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.57	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.81	4.05	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.32	21.13	-0.81

BUFR vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFR Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is comparable to the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFR and BUFF, 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

BUFR vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFR drawdown since its inception was -13.73%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFR and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFR	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.73%	-46.23%	+32.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-3.58%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-10.24%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.73%	-10.24%	-3.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-0.27%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.08%	-6.15%	+4.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	0.68%	+0.18%

Volatility

BUFR vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) has a higher volatility of 2.02% compared to Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) at 1.66%. This indicates that BUFR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFR	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.02%	1.66%	+0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.23%	4.08%	+1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.63%	5.26%	+1.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.47%	8.44%	+2.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.22%	17.63%	-7.41%

BUFR vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFR vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFR nor BUFF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFR and BUFF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, BUFR and BUFF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BUFR or BUFF?

BUFR has higher volatility (2.02%) compared to BUFF (1.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFR dropped -13.73% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, BUFR or BUFF?

On 5-year performance, BUFR leads with 9.85% vs 8.63% for BUFF. On fees, BUFF is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, BUFF has been the lower-risk option at 1.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFR or BUFF?

Over the 5-year period, BUFR has performed better with a 9.85% return vs 8.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFR or BUFF?

BUFF is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFR or BUFF?

BUFR and BUFF have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUFR and BUFF?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFR and 0.89% for BUFF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.76 vs 2.65), 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.