BUFX vs. MMAX
BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and MMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for MMAX.
Performance
BUFX vs. MMAX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BUFX achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly higher than MMAX's 3.09% return.
BUFX
- 1D
- -0.05%
- 1M
- 1.35%
- YTD
- 4.10%
- 6M
- 4.88%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
MMAX
- 1D
- -0.13%
- 1M
- 0.60%
- YTD
- 3.09%
- 6M
- 3.75%
- 1Y
- 7.67%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
BUFX vs. MMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF | 4.10% | 5.62% |
MMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF | 3.09% | 3.76% |
Correlation
The correlation between BUFX and MMAX is 0.64, 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 | 0.64 |
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Return for Risk
BUFX vs. MMAX — Risk / Return Rank
BUFX
MMAX
BUFX vs. MMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX). 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.
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| BUFX | MMAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | — | 5.52 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 2.68 | 3.13 | -0.45 |
Drawdowns
BUFX vs. MMAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, which is greater than MMAX's maximum drawdown of -1.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and MMAX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| BUFX | MMAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -2.87% | -1.93% | -0.94% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -0.34% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.07% | -0.13% | +0.06% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.24% | -0.10% | -0.14% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 0.07% | — |
Volatility
BUFX vs. MMAX - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| BUFX | MMAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 0.36% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 0.96% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.98% | 1.39% | +2.59% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 3.98% | 2.49% | +1.49% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 3.98% | 2.49% | +1.49% |
BUFX vs. MMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than MMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.
Dividends
BUFX vs. MMAX - Dividend Comparison
BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%.
| Position | TTM | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% |
MMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF | 1.27% | 1.31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
BUFX and MMAX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, MMAX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
MMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.
MMAX has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.
They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.50% for MMAX.
Find the right allocation for BUFX and MMAX
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