DEMZ vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DEMZ (Democratic Large Cap Core ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DEMZ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Democratic Large Cap Core Index, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DEMZ charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

DEMZ vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) 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, DEMZ achieves a 8.48% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.45% return.

DEMZ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 6.44%
• YTD: 8.48%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: 24.86%
• 3Y*: 22.00%
• 5Y*: 12.90%
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 2.45%
• 6M: 2.82%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DEMZ vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DEMZ Democratic Large Cap Core ETF	8.48%	12.81%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.45%	3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between DEMZ and BUFH is 0.71, 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	0.71

Return for Risk

DEMZ vs. BUFH — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEMZ

DEMZ Risk / Return Rank: 47
DEMZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DEMZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DEMZ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DEMZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DEMZ Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

DEMZ vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) 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.

	DEMZ	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.56	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DEMZ	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.78	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.96	2.91	-1.94

Drawdowns

DEMZ vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEMZ drawdown since its inception was -27.17%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEMZ and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEMZ	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.17%	-1.53%	-25.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.28%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.25%	-0.05%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.11%	-0.18%	-5.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DEMZ	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.89%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	2.37%	+11.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.80%	2.37%	+15.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.46%	2.37%	+15.09%

DEMZ vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEMZ has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEMZ vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

DEMZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DEMZ Democratic Large Cap Core ETF	0.90%	0.98%	0.53%	0.90%	0.98%	2.46%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DEMZ and BUFH in my portfolio?

DEMZ and BUFH have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DEMZ or BUFH?

On fees, DEMZ is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DEMZ or BUFH?

DEMZ is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

DEMZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between DEMZ and BUFH?

DEMZ is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Reflection Asset Management, LLC and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for DEMZ and 0.95% for BUFH.