DFSU vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DFSU (Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFSU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSU charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

DFSU vs. BUFX - 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 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, DFSU achieves a 6.81% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.12% return.

DFSU

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 6.81%
• 6M: 5.89%
• 1Y: 23.42%
• 3Y*: 19.48%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 4.12%
• 6M: 4.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFSU vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFSU Dimensional US Sustainability Core 1 ETF	6.81%	13.07%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.12%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSU and BUFX is 0.87, 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	0.87

Return for Risk

DFSU vs. BUFX — 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

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.

DFSU vs. BUFX - 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 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.

	DFSU	BUFX	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. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSU drawdown since its inception was -19.88%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSU and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSU	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.88%	-2.87%	-17.01%
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%	-0.32%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.64%	-0.24%	-2.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFSU	BUFX	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%	4.04%	+9.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	4.04%	+12.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.26%	4.04%	+12.22%

DFSU vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSU has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFSU vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate 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 BUFX in my portfolio?

DFSU and BUFX have a correlation of 0.87, 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 BUFX?

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 BUFX?

DFSU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

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

What is the main difference between DFSU and BUFX?

DFSU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFSU and 0.96% for BUFX.