BUFX vs. AAEQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and AAEQ (Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while AAEQ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AAEQ.

Performance

BUFX vs. AAEQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFX achieves a 4.12% return, which is significantly lower than AAEQ's 7.43% return.

BUFX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 4.12%
• 6M: 4.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAEQ

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -0.45%
• YTD: 7.43%
• 6M: 6.36%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFX vs. AAEQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.12%	0.83%
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	7.43%	-1.11%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and AAEQ 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

BUFX vs. AAEQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

BUFX vs. AAEQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, smaller than the maximum AAEQ drawdown of -10.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and AAEQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFX	AAEQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-10.26%	+7.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-2.11%	+1.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-2.42%	+2.18%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	AAEQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.04%	14.24%	-10.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.04%	14.24%	-10.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.04%	14.24%	-10.20%

BUFX vs. AAEQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than AAEQ's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFX vs. AAEQ - Dividend Comparison

BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AAEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%.

Position	TTM	2025
AAEQ Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF	0.09%	0.10%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFX and AAEQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BUFX and AAEQ 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 ETF is better, BUFX or AAEQ?

On fees, AAEQ is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFX or AAEQ?

AAEQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFX or AAEQ?

AAEQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.09%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between BUFX and AAEQ?

BUFX is categorized as Defined Outcome, while AAEQ is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.15% for AAEQ.