ESUM vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ESUM (Eventide US Market ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESUM is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Eventide, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESUM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

ESUM vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Eventide US Market ETF (ESUM) 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, ESUM achieves a 12.92% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.45% return.

ESUM

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 7.04%
• YTD: 12.92%
• 6M: 12.54%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

ESUM vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ESUM Eventide US Market ETF	12.92%	1.23%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.45%	2.19%

Correlation

The correlation between ESUM and BUFH is 0.65, 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 Sep 2, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

ESUM vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Eventide US Market ETF (ESUM) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ESUM	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.42	2.91	-1.49

Drawdowns

ESUM vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESUM drawdown since its inception was -8.13%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESUM and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESUM	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.13%	-1.53%	-6.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.05%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.60%	-0.18%	-1.42%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESUM	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.81%	2.37%	+11.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.81%	2.37%	+11.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.81%	2.37%	+11.44%

ESUM vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESUM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESUM vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

ESUM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
ESUM Eventide US Market ETF	0.57%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESUM and BUFH in my portfolio?

ESUM and BUFH have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ESUM or BUFH?

On fees, ESUM is cheaper at 0.39% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESUM or BUFH?

ESUM is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

ESUM has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between ESUM and BUFH?

ESUM is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Eventide and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ESUM and 0.95% for BUFH.