BUFX vs. AAPY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and AAPY (Kurv Yield Premium Strategy Apple (AAPL) ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while AAPY is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Kurv. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for AAPY.

Performance

BUFX vs. AAPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and Kurv Yield Premium Strategy Apple (AAPL) ETF (AAPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFX achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly lower than AAPY's 14.66% return.

BUFX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 4.88%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAPY

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 13.81%
• YTD: 14.66%
• 6M: 11.04%
• 1Y: 43.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFX vs. AAPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%
AAPY Kurv Yield Premium Strategy Apple (AAPL) ETF	14.66%	25.68%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and AAPY is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.49

Return for Risk

BUFX vs. AAPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

AAPY

AAPY Risk / Return Rank: 58
AAPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
AAPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
AAPY Omega Ratio Rank: 62
AAPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
AAPY Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

BUFX vs. AAPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and Kurv Yield Premium Strategy Apple (AAPL) ETF (AAPY). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFX	AAPY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.68	0.87	+1.81

Drawdowns

BUFX vs. AAPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, smaller than the maximum AAPY drawdown of -29.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and AAPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFX	AAPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-29.22%	+26.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-1.55%	+1.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-6.34%	+6.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.32%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	AAPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.18%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.98%	21.42%	-17.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.98%	22.58%	-18.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.98%	22.58%	-18.60%

BUFX vs. AAPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than AAPY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFX vs. AAPY - Dividend Comparison

BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AAPY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.30%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AAPY Kurv Yield Premium Strategy Apple (AAPL) ETF	11.30%	12.66%	17.15%	2.16%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFX and AAPY in my portfolio?

BUFX and AAPY have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BUFX or AAPY?

On fees, BUFX is cheaper at 0.96% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFX or AAPY?

BUFX is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for AAPY.

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

AAPY has the higher dividend yield at 11.30%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between BUFX and AAPY?

BUFX is categorized as Defined Outcome, while AAPY is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Kurv. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.99% for AAPY.