BUFX vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while AFOS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by ARS Investment Partners. Over the past year, BUFX returned 9.64% vs 83.17% for AFOS. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

BUFX vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFX achieves a 3.81% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 33.60% return.

BUFX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 3.81%
• 6M: 3.64%
• 1Y: 9.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: 2.47%
• 1M: 3.16%
• YTD: 33.60%
• 6M: 31.56%
• 1Y: 83.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFX vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.81%	5.62%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	33.60%	37.10%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and AFOS is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.74

Return for Risk

BUFX vs. AFOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFX

BUFX Risk / Return Rank: 87
BUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
BUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
BUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
BUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

AFOS

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

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. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). 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.

	BUFX	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.79	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.91	—	—

Drawdowns

BUFX vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFX	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-11.52%	+8.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.87%	-11.52%	+8.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.61%	-2.33%	+1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.25%	-1.43%	+1.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.49%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.22%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.39%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.03%	21.58%	-17.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.03%	21.58%	-17.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.03%	21.58%	-17.55%

BUFX vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFX vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFX and AFOS in my portfolio?

BUFX and AFOS have a correlation of 0.74, 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 AFOS?

On 1-year performance, AFOS leads with 83.17% vs 9.64% for BUFX. On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFX or AFOS?

Over the 1-year period, AFOS has performed better with a 83.17% return vs 9.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFX or AFOS?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between BUFX and AFOS?

BUFX is categorized as Defined Outcome, while AFOS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.45% for AFOS.