DAK vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DAK (Dakota Active Equity ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DAK is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dakota Wealth, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DAK charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

DAK vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) and FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAK achieves a 9.09% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.49% return.

DAK

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -1.11%
• YTD: 9.09%
• 6M: 8.62%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 2.49%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DAK vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	9.09%	6.75%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.49%	2.78%

Correlation

The correlation between DAK and BUFH is 0.75, 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 Jul 30, 2025	0.75

Return for Risk

DAK vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) and FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH). 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.

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

Drawdowns

DAK vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAK drawdown since its inception was -7.87%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAK and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAK	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-1.53%	-6.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.69%	-0.07%	-1.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.14%	-0.18%	-0.96%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DAK	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.57%	2.38%	+9.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.57%	2.38%	+9.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.57%	2.38%	+9.19%

DAK vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAK has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAK vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

DAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	0.55%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAK and BUFH in my portfolio?

DAK and BUFH have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DAK or BUFH?

On fees, DAK is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAK or BUFH?

DAK is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DAK or BUFH?

DAK has the higher dividend yield at 0.55%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between DAK and BUFH?

DAK is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Dakota Wealth and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DAK and 0.95% for BUFH.