BUFS vs. NFTY

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BUFS (FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF) and NFTY (First Trust India NIFTY 50 Equal Weight ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFS is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while NFTY is a India Equities fund tracking the NIFTY 50 Equal Weight Index. BUFS is actively managed, while NFTY is passively managed. Over the past year, BUFS returned 17.62% vs -9.06% for NFTY. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUFS charges 1.01%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for NFTY.

Performance

BUFS vs. NFTY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) and First Trust India NIFTY 50 Equal Weight ETF (NFTY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFS achieves a 9.89% return, which is significantly higher than NFTY's -8.35% return.

BUFS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.05%
• 6M: 6.85%
• YTD: 9.89%
• 1Y: 17.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NFTY

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -1.78%
• 6M: -7.54%
• YTD: -8.35%
• 1Y: -9.06%
• 3Y*: 4.29%
• 5Y*: 5.57%
• 10Y*: 7.23%

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

BUFS vs. NFTY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFS FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	9.89%	7.08%	6.83%
NFTY First Trust India NIFTY 50 Equal Weight ETF	-8.35%	5.47%	-2.15%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFS and NFTY is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 30, 2024	0.42

Return for Risk

BUFS vs. NFTY — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFS

BUFS Risk / Return Rank: 83
BUFS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
BUFS Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
BUFS Omega Ratio Rank: 81
BUFS Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
BUFS Martin Ratio Rank: 89

NFTY

NFTY Risk / Return Rank: 4
NFTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
NFTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
NFTY Omega Ratio Rank: 4
NFTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
NFTY Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

BUFS vs. NFTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) and First Trust India NIFTY 50 Equal Weight ETF (NFTY). 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.

	BUFS	NFTY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	-0.62	+2.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	-0.85	+3.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	0.91	+0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.78	-0.56	+4.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.29	-1.34	+16.63

BUFS vs. NFTY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFS Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the NFTY Sharpe Ratio of -0.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFS and NFTY, 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

BUFS vs. NFTY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFS drawdown since its inception was -15.03%, smaller than the maximum NFTY drawdown of -47.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFS and NFTY.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFS	NFTY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.03%	-47.67%	+32.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.68%	-16.14%	+11.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.55%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.55%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-16.22%	+16.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.30%	-9.63%	+7.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.15%	6.82%	-5.67%

Volatility

BUFS vs. NFTY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) is 1.13%, while First Trust India NIFTY 50 Equal Weight ETF (NFTY) has a volatility of 3.01%. This indicates that BUFS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NFTY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFS	NFTY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.13%	3.01%	-1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.63%	12.58%	-6.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.73%	14.72%	-5.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.00%	17.40%	-6.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.00%	20.64%	-9.64%

BUFS vs. NFTY - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFS has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is higher than NFTY's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFS vs. NFTY - Dividend Comparison

BUFS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while NFTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.93%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUFS FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NFTY First Trust India NIFTY 50 Equal Weight ETF	1.93%	1.24%	1.61%	0.13%	5.89%	1.53%	0.61%	0.97%	0.00%	4.10%	3.28%	4.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFS and NFTY in my portfolio?

BUFS and NFTY have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFS or NFTY?

NFTY has higher volatility (3.01%) compared to BUFS (1.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFS dropped -15.03% vs NFTY's -47.67%.

Which ETF is better, BUFS or NFTY?

On 1-year performance, BUFS leads with 17.62% vs -9.06% for NFTY. On fees, NFTY is cheaper at 0.80% per year. On volatility, BUFS has been the lower-risk option at 1.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFS or NFTY?

Over the 1-year period, BUFS has performed better with a 17.62% return vs -9.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFS or NFTY?

NFTY is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for BUFS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFS or NFTY?

NFTY has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 0.00% for BUFS.

What is the main difference between BUFS and NFTY?

BUFS is categorized as Defined Outcome, while NFTY is India Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.01% for BUFS and 0.80% for NFTY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs -0.62), 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.