DFUS vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFUS (Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFUS 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 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFUS charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

DFUS vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS) 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, DFUS achieves a 8.60% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.84% return.

DFUS

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: -0.94%
• YTD: 8.60%
• 6M: 7.51%
• 1Y: 24.34%
• 3Y*: 20.81%
• 5Y*: 12.74%
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 3.84%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFUS vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF	8.60%	13.15%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.84%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between DFUS and BUFX is 0.90, 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	0.90

Return for Risk

DFUS vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFUS

DFUS Risk / Return Rank: 59
DFUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
DFUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DFUS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
DFUS Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

DFUS vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF (DFUS) 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.

	DFUS	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.07	—	—

Drawdowns

DFUS vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFUS drawdown since its inception was -24.62%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFUS and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFUS	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.62%	-2.87%	-21.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.96%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.62%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.03%	-0.59%	-2.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.78%	-0.24%	-5.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFUS	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.17%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.97%	4.05%	+8.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.29%	4.05%	+13.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.26%	4.05%	+13.21%

DFUS vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFUS has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFUS vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

DFUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFUS Dimensional U.S. Equity Market ETF	0.85%	0.88%	1.04%	1.33%	1.48%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFUS and BUFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DFUS and BUFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, DFUS or BUFX?

On fees, DFUS is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFUS or BUFX?

DFUS is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

DFUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.85%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between DFUS and BUFX?

DFUS 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: 0.09% for DFUS and 0.96% for BUFX.