BUFX vs. TMAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and TMAR (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March) are both Defined Outcome funds from First Trust. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TMAR.

Performance

BUFX vs. TMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). 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 lower than TMAR's 14.45% return.

BUFX

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

TMAR

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 14.45%
• 6M: 15.92%
• 1Y: 28.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFX vs. TMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%
TMAR FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March	14.45%	9.09%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and TMAR is 0.65, 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	0.65

Return for Risk

BUFX vs. TMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

TMAR

TMAR Risk / Return Rank: 94
TMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
TMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
TMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 96
TMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
TMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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. TMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). 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	TMAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.06	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.68	2.25	+0.43

Drawdowns

BUFX vs. TMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, smaller than the maximum TMAR drawdown of -9.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and TMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFX	TMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-9.93%	+7.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.72%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-0.66%	+0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	TMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.53%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.17%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.98%	9.47%	-5.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.98%	11.42%	-7.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.98%	11.42%	-7.44%

BUFX vs. TMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than TMAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFX vs. TMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFX nor TMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFX and TMAR in my portfolio?

BUFX and TMAR have a correlation of 0.65, 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 TMAR?

On fees, TMAR is cheaper at 0.95% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFX or TMAR?

TMAR is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

BUFX and TMAR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUFX and TMAR?

Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.95% for TMAR.