BUFR vs. FMAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) and FMAR (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUFR returned 9.85%/yr vs 10.59%/yr for FMAR. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for FMAR.

Performance

BUFR vs. FMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR). 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 lower than FMAR's 9.87% return.

BUFR

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

FMAR

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 9.87%
• 6M: 10.00%
• 1Y: 18.79%
• 3Y*: 14.03%
• 5Y*: 10.59%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFR vs. FMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.33%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	-7.57%	9.33%
FMAR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March	9.87%	9.69%	14.61%	20.39%	-5.51%	11.71%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFR and FMAR is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2021	0.93

The correlation between BUFR and FMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFR vs. FMAR — 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

FMAR

FMAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
FMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
FMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 97
FMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. FMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR). 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	FMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	3.68	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	5.87	-2.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.91	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.81	8.00	-4.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.32	50.46	-30.14

BUFR vs. FMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFR Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is comparable to the FMAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFR and FMAR, 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. FMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFR drawdown since its inception was -13.73%, roughly equal to the maximum FMAR drawdown of -14.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFR and FMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFR	FMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.73%	-14.36%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-2.36%	-2.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-12.37%	-0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.73%	-14.36%	+0.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-0.34%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.08%	-2.12%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	0.37%	+0.49%

Volatility

BUFR vs. FMAR - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) has a higher volatility of 2.02% compared to FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) at 1.70%. This indicates that BUFR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFR	FMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.02%	1.70%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.23%	4.24%	+0.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.63%	5.14%	+1.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.47%	10.46%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.22%	10.32%	-0.10%

BUFR vs. FMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than FMAR's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFR vs. FMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFR nor FMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFR and FMAR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BUFR and FMAR 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 FMAR?

BUFR has higher volatility (2.02%) compared to FMAR (1.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFR dropped -13.73% vs FMAR's -14.36%.

Which ETF is better, BUFR or FMAR?

On 5-year performance, FMAR leads with 10.59% vs 9.85% for BUFR. On fees, FMAR is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, FMAR has been the lower-risk option at 1.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFR or FMAR?

Over the 5-year period, FMAR has performed better with a 10.59% return vs 9.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFR or FMAR?

FMAR is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFR and FMAR?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFR and 0.85% for FMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.68 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.