BUFY vs. DBE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFY (FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFY is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. BUFY is actively managed, while DBE is passively managed. Over the past year, BUFY returned 13.37% vs 36.16% for DBE. At a correlation of -0.23, they often move in opposite directions. BUFY charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.

Performance

BUFY vs. DBE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFY) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFY achieves a 5.54% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 54.94% return.

BUFY

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.17%
• YTD: 5.54%
• 6M: 5.83%
• 1Y: 13.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBE

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -15.70%
• YTD: 54.94%
• 6M: 54.06%
• 1Y: 36.16%
• 3Y*: 17.07%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 10.19%

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

BUFY vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFY FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF	5.54%	18.22%	-7.01%
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	54.94%	-2.17%	4.91%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFY and DBE is -0.36, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2024	-0.23

The correlation between BUFY and DBE shifts across timeframes, from -0.36 (1 year) to -0.23 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BUFY vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFY

BUFY Risk / Return Rank: 63
BUFY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
BUFY Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
BUFY Omega Ratio Rank: 64
BUFY Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
BUFY Martin Ratio Rank: 69

DBE

DBE Risk / Return Rank: 32
DBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
DBE Omega Ratio Rank: 30
DBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
DBE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

BUFY vs. DBE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFY) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). 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.

	BUFY	DBE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.03	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	1.55	+1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.20	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	1.75	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.37	5.77	+6.60

BUFY vs. DBE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFY Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the DBE Sharpe Ratio of 1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFY and DBE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BUFY vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFY drawdown since its inception was -8.01%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFY and DBE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFY	DBE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.01%	-86.69%	+78.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.65%	-20.78%	+16.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-60.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-41.18%	+41.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.66%	-57.24%	+55.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	8.02%	-6.94%

Volatility

BUFY vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFY) is 1.93%, while Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) has a volatility of 9.38%. This indicates that BUFY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFY	DBE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.93%	9.38%	-7.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.74%	31.50%	-25.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.92%	35.33%	-28.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.48%	29.58%	-21.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.48%	28.37%	-19.89%

BUFY vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFY has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFY vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison

BUFY has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DBE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BUFY FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	2.49%	3.86%	6.32%	3.87%	0.75%	0.00%	0.00%	1.79%	1.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFY and DBE in my portfolio?

BUFY and DBE have a correlation of -0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFY or DBE?

DBE has higher volatility (9.38%) compared to BUFY (1.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFY dropped -8.01% vs DBE's -86.69%.

Which ETF is better, BUFY or DBE?

On 1-year performance, DBE leads with 36.16% vs 13.37% for BUFY. On fees, DBE is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, BUFY has been the lower-risk option at 1.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFY or DBE?

Over the 1-year period, DBE has performed better with a 36.16% return vs 13.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFY or DBE?

DBE is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for BUFY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFY or DBE?

DBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.00% for BUFY.

What is the main difference between BUFY and DBE?

BUFY is categorized as Defined Outcome, while DBE is Oil & Gas. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for BUFY and 0.78% for DBE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.03), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.