FCTE vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FCTE (SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FCTE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by SMI 3Fourteen, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FCTE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

FCTE vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF (FCTE) 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, FCTE achieves a 8.91% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.65% return.

FCTE

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 8.91%
• 6M: 7.45%
• 1Y: 2.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FCTE vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FCTE SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF	8.91%	-4.73%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.65%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between FCTE and BUFX is 0.64, 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 26, 2025	0.64

Return for Risk

FCTE vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCTE

FCTE Risk / Return Rank: 12
FCTE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
FCTE Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
FCTE Omega Ratio Rank: 12
FCTE Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
FCTE Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

FCTE vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF (FCTE) 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.

	FCTE	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.20	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.38	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.23	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.63	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FCTE	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	2.51	-2.22

Drawdowns

FCTE vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCTE drawdown since its inception was -19.68%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCTE and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCTE	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.68%	-2.87%	-16.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-0.59%	-2.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.01%	-0.24%	-5.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.66%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FCTE	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.77%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.35%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.99%	4.02%	+10.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	4.02%	+14.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	4.02%	+14.66%

FCTE vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCTE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCTE vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

FCTE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FCTE SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF	0.08%	0.18%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCTE and BUFX in my portfolio?

FCTE and BUFX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FCTE or BUFX?

On fees, FCTE is cheaper at 0.85% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCTE or BUFX?

FCTE is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

FCTE has the higher dividend yield at 0.08%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between FCTE and BUFX?

FCTE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: SMI 3Fourteen and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FCTE and 0.96% for BUFX.