DFSU vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFSU (Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSU charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

DFSU vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) 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, DFSU achieves a 6.81% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.49% return.

DFSU

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 6.81%
• 6M: 5.89%
• 1Y: 23.42%
• 3Y*: 19.48%
• 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)

DFSU vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	6.81%	13.07%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.49%	3.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSU 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 25, 2025	0.71

Return for Risk

DFSU vs. BUFH — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSU

DFSU Risk / Return Rank: 53
DFSU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFSU Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DFSU Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFSU Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DFSU Martin Ratio Rank: 58

BUFH

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.

DFSU vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSU) 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.

	DFSU	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.02	—	—

Drawdowns

DFSU vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSU drawdown since its inception was -19.88%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSU and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSU	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.88%	-1.53%	-18.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.88%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-0.07%	-1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-0.18%	-2.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFSU	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.21%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.36%	2.38%	+10.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	2.38%	+13.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.26%	2.38%	+13.88%

DFSU vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSU has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSU vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

DFSU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	0.83%	0.85%	0.96%	1.03%	0.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSU and BUFH in my portfolio?

DFSU 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, DFSU or BUFH?

On fees, DFSU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFSU or BUFH?

DFSU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

DFSU has the higher dividend yield at 0.83%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between DFSU and BUFH?

DFSU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFSU and 0.95% for BUFH.