BUFX vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 6, 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. A 0.73 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 3.65% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 26.02% return.

BUFX

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -4.70%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 26.02%
• 6M: 29.35%
• 1Y: —
• 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	3.65%	5.17%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	26.02%	36.15%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and AFOS is 0.73, 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 27, 2025	0.73

Return for Risk

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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFX	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.51	3.75	-1.24

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%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.59%	-4.83%	+4.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-1.38%	+1.14%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.02%	20.74%	-16.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.02%	20.74%	-16.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.02%	20.74%	-16.72%

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 0.24%.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.24%	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 0.73, 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 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 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 0.24%, 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.