EQTY vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

EQTY (Kovitz Core Equity ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EQTY is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the NONE, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, EQTY returned 11.16% vs 9.40% for BUFX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EQTY charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

EQTY vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kovitz Core Equity ETF (EQTY) 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, EQTY achieves a 1.58% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 3.77% return.

EQTY

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: -0.40%
• YTD: 1.58%
• 6M: 0.79%
• 1Y: 11.16%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 3.77%
• 6M: 3.59%
• 1Y: 9.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EQTY vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EQTY Kovitz Core Equity ETF	1.58%	9.43%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.77%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between EQTY and BUFX is 0.76, 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	0.76

Return for Risk

EQTY vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQTY

EQTY Risk / Return Rank: 25
EQTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
EQTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
EQTY Omega Ratio Rank: 24
EQTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
EQTY Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

EQTY vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kovitz Core Equity ETF (EQTY) 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.

	EQTY	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.28	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.95	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.47	—	—

Drawdowns

EQTY vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQTY drawdown since its inception was -17.28%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQTY and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQTY	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.28%	-2.87%	-14.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.85%	-2.87%	-8.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.54%	-0.65%	-1.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.69%	-0.25%	-2.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EQTY	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.25%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.11%	4.04%	+9.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.98%	4.04%	+10.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.98%	4.04%	+10.94%

EQTY vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQTY has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQTY vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

EQTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, 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%
EQTY Kovitz Core Equity ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.33%	0.26%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQTY and BUFX in my portfolio?

EQTY and BUFX have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EQTY or BUFX?

On 1-year performance, EQTY leads with 11.16% vs 9.40% for BUFX. On fees, BUFX is cheaper at 0.96% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQTY or BUFX?

Over the 1-year period, EQTY has performed better with a 11.16% return vs 9.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQTY or BUFX?

BUFX is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for EQTY.

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

EQTY has the higher dividend yield at 0.02%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between EQTY and BUFX?

EQTY is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Kovitz and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for EQTY and 0.96% for BUFX.