BUFX vs. FMKT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and FMKT (The Free Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while FMKT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for FMKT.

Performance

BUFX vs. FMKT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and The Free Markets ETF (FMKT). 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 higher than FMKT's 2.65% return.

BUFX

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

FMKT

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -0.64%
• YTD: 2.65%
• 6M: 0.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFX vs. FMKT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	2.65%	8.41%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and FMKT is 0.60, 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	0.60

Return for Risk

BUFX vs. FMKT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and The Free Markets ETF (FMKT). 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	FMKT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.68	0.73	+1.95

Drawdowns

BUFX vs. FMKT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, smaller than the maximum FMKT drawdown of -17.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and FMKT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFX	FMKT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-17.79%	+14.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-6.86%	+6.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-5.25%	+5.01%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	FMKT	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.98%	19.59%	-15.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.98%	19.59%	-15.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.98%	19.59%	-15.61%

BUFX vs. FMKT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than FMKT's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFX vs. FMKT - Dividend Comparison

BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FMKT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.10%.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	2.10%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFX and FMKT in my portfolio?

BUFX and FMKT have a correlation of 0.60, 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 FMKT?

On fees, FMKT is cheaper at 0.76% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFX or FMKT?

FMKT is cheaper with a 0.76% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

FMKT has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between BUFX and FMKT?

BUFX is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FMKT is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.76% for FMKT.