DECW vs. BUFQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DECW (Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF) and BUFQ (FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DECW is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Allianz, while BUFQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ 100 Index - USD. DECW is actively managed, while BUFQ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DECW returned 10.82%/yr vs 16.52%/yr for BUFQ. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DECW charges 0.74%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for BUFQ.

Performance

DECW vs. BUFQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) and FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DECW achieves a 4.92% return, which is significantly lower than BUFQ's 9.40% return.

DECW

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 6M: 4.64%
• 1Y: 15.19%
• 3Y*: 10.82%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFQ

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 9.40%
• 6M: 9.25%
• 1Y: 21.55%
• 3Y*: 16.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DECW vs. BUFQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DECW Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF	4.92%	11.57%	8.64%	16.16%	-2.55%
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	9.40%	14.03%	16.41%	35.51%	-6.43%

Correlation

The correlation between DECW and BUFQ is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 1, 2022	0.86

The correlation between DECW and BUFQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DECW vs. BUFQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DECW

DECW Risk / Return Rank: 87
DECW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DECW Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DECW Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DECW Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
DECW Martin Ratio Rank: 90

BUFQ

BUFQ Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFQ Omega Ratio Rank: 88
BUFQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
BUFQ Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DECW vs. BUFQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) and FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ). 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.

	DECW	BUFQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	2.60	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.03	3.83	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.52	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.96	4.01	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.90	20.08	-0.18

DECW vs. BUFQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DECW Sharpe Ratio is 2.71, which is comparable to the BUFQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DECW and BUFQ, 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

DECW vs. BUFQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DECW drawdown since its inception was -8.76%, smaller than the maximum BUFQ drawdown of -15.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DECW and BUFQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DECW	BUFQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.76%	-15.74%	+6.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.86%	-5.39%	+1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.76%	-15.74%	+6.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.20%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-2.29%	+1.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.77%	1.08%	-0.31%

Volatility

DECW vs. BUFQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) is 1.46%, while FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) has a volatility of 2.22%. This indicates that DECW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DECW	BUFQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.46%	2.22%	-0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.12%	6.66%	-2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.64%	8.35%	-2.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.10%	13.30%	-6.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.10%	13.30%	-6.20%

DECW vs. BUFQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DECW has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFQ's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

DECW vs. BUFQ - Dividend Comparison

Neither DECW nor BUFQ has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DECW Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DECW and BUFQ in my portfolio?

DECW and BUFQ have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DECW or BUFQ?

BUFQ has higher volatility (2.22%) compared to DECW (1.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DECW dropped -8.76% vs BUFQ's -15.74%.

Which ETF is better, DECW or BUFQ?

On 3-year performance, BUFQ leads with 16.52% vs 10.82% for DECW. On fees, DECW is cheaper at 0.74% per year. On volatility, DECW has been the lower-risk option at 1.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DECW or BUFQ?

Over the 3-year period, BUFQ has performed better with a 16.52% return vs 10.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DECW or BUFQ?

DECW is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BUFQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DECW or BUFQ?

DECW and BUFQ have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DECW and BUFQ?

DECW is categorized as Options Trading, while BUFQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Allianz and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for DECW and 1.10% for BUFQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DECW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 2.60), 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.