BUFR vs. SFLR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) and SFLR (Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while SFLR is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Innovator. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUFR returned 13.70%/yr vs 14.80%/yr for SFLR. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for SFLR.

Performance

BUFR vs. SFLR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFR achieves a 5.63% return, which is significantly higher than SFLR's 3.43% return.

BUFR

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 5.63%
• 6M: 5.31%
• 1Y: 15.99%
• 3Y*: 13.70%
• 5Y*: 9.61%
• 10Y*: —

SFLR

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -0.63%
• YTD: 3.43%
• 6M: 3.07%
• 1Y: 15.38%
• 3Y*: 14.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFR vs. SFLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	5.63%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	1.51%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	3.43%	13.29%	19.99%	21.20%	0.42%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFR and SFLR 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	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2022	0.90

The correlation between BUFR and SFLR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFR vs. SFLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 82
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 88

SFLR

SFLR Risk / Return Rank: 49
SFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 51
SFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
SFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. SFLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) and Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR). 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	SFLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	1.59	+0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	2.15	+1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.30	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	2.27	+1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.54	8.91	+9.63

BUFR vs. SFLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFR Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is higher than the SFLR Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFR and SFLR, 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. SFLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFR drawdown since its inception was -13.73%, which is greater than SFLR's maximum drawdown of -12.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFR and SFLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFR	SFLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.73%	-12.13%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-6.79%	+2.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	-12.13%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-2.61%	+1.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.08%	-1.75%	-0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	1.73%	-0.87%

Volatility

BUFR vs. SFLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) is 2.13%, while Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR) has a volatility of 4.37%. This indicates that BUFR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SFLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFR	SFLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.13%	4.37%	-2.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.25%	7.51%	-2.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.65%	9.72%	-3.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.48%	10.32%	+0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.22%	10.32%	-0.10%

BUFR vs. SFLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

BUFR vs. SFLR - Dividend Comparison

BUFR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SFLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	0.33%	0.33%	0.42%	1.16%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFR and SFLR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, BUFR and SFLR 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 SFLR?

SFLR has higher volatility (4.37%) compared to BUFR (2.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFR dropped -13.73% vs SFLR's -12.13%.

Which ETF is better, BUFR or SFLR?

On 3-year performance, SFLR leads with 14.80% vs 13.70% for BUFR. On fees, SFLR is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, BUFR has been the lower-risk option at 2.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFR or SFLR?

Over the 3-year period, SFLR has performed better with a 14.80% return vs 13.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFR or SFLR?

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

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

SFLR has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.00% for BUFR.

What is the main difference between BUFR and SFLR?

BUFR is categorized as Defined Outcome, while SFLR is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFR and 0.89% for SFLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.59), 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.