BWTG vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

BWTG (Brendan Wood TopGun ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BWTG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Brendan Wood, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, BWTG returned 17.62% vs 9.40% for BUFX. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BWTG charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

BWTG vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brendan Wood TopGun ETF (BWTG) and FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BWTG achieves a 6.30% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.77% return.

BWTG

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 2.32%
• YTD: 6.30%
• 6M: 5.50%
• 1Y: 17.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 3.77%
• 6M: 3.59%
• 1Y: 9.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BWTG vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BWTG Brendan Wood TopGun ETF	6.30%	10.65%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.77%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between BWTG and BUFX is 0.80, 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	0.80

Return for Risk

BWTG vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BWTG

BWTG Risk / Return Rank: 46
BWTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
BWTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
BWTG Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BWTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
BWTG Martin Ratio Rank: 52

BUFX

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

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.

BWTG vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brendan Wood TopGun ETF (BWTG) and FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). 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.

	BWTG	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.91	—	—

Drawdowns

BWTG vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BWTG drawdown since its inception was -13.18%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BWTG and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BWTG	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.18%	-2.87%	-10.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.93%	-2.87%	-7.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.84%	-0.65%	-1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.75%	-0.25%	-1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BWTG	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.12%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	4.04%	+8.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.10%	4.04%	+10.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.10%	4.04%	+10.06%

BWTG vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BWTG has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

BWTG vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

BWTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BWTG Brendan Wood TopGun ETF	0.33%	0.35%	0.25%	0.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BWTG and BUFX in my portfolio?

BWTG and BUFX have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BWTG or BUFX?

On 1-year performance, BWTG leads with 17.62% vs 9.40% for BUFX. On fees, BWTG is cheaper at 0.95% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BWTG or BUFX?

Over the 1-year period, BWTG has performed better with a 17.62% return vs 9.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BWTG or BUFX?

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

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

BWTG has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between BWTG and BUFX?

BWTG is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Brendan Wood and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BWTG and 0.96% for BUFX.