BUFX vs. LCDS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and LCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Large Core ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while LCDS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by JPMorgan. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for LCDS.

Performance

BUFX vs. LCDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Large Core ETF (LCDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFX achieves a 3.84% return, which is significantly lower than LCDS's 7.68% return.

BUFX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 3.84%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

LCDS

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: -0.90%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 6.81%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFX vs. LCDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.84%	5.43%
LCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Large Core ETF	7.68%	13.19%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and LCDS is 0.90, 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 Jun 25, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

BUFX vs. LCDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFX

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

LCDS

LCDS Risk / Return Rank: 62
LCDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
LCDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
LCDS Omega Ratio Rank: 61
LCDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
LCDS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. LCDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Large Core ETF (LCDS). 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	LCDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.89	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.58	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.34	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.56	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	11.18	—

Drawdowns

BUFX vs. LCDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, smaller than the maximum LCDS drawdown of -18.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and LCDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFX	LCDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-18.39%	+15.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.59%	-3.00%	+2.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-2.18%	+1.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.06%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	LCDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.51%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.67%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.05%	12.26%	-8.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.05%	16.30%	-12.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.05%	16.30%	-12.25%

BUFX vs. LCDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than LCDS's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFX vs. LCDS - Dividend Comparison

BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while LCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
LCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Large Core ETF	0.90%	0.92%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFX and LCDS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, BUFX and LCDS 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 LCDS?

On fees, LCDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFX or LCDS?

LCDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

LCDS has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between BUFX and LCDS?

BUFX is categorized as Defined Outcome, while LCDS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and JPMorgan. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.30% for LCDS.