FFLC vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FFLC (Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Core ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FFLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FFLC charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

FFLC vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Core ETF (FFLC) 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, FFLC achieves a 10.26% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.10% return.

FFLC

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 3.15%
• YTD: 10.26%
• 6M: 11.18%
• 1Y: 26.96%
• 3Y*: 23.20%
• 5Y*: 15.85%
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 4.88%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FFLC vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FFLC Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Core ETF	10.26%	12.38%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between FFLC 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 26, 2025	0.87

Return for Risk

FFLC vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FFLC

FFLC Risk / Return Rank: 61
FFLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FFLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
FFLC Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FFLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
FFLC Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

FFLC vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Core ETF (FFLC) 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.

	FFLC	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.30	—	—
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

	FFLC	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	2.68	-1.51

Drawdowns

FFLC vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FFLC drawdown since its inception was -19.72%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FFLC and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FFLC	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.72%	-2.87%	-16.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.98%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.68%	-0.07%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-0.24%	-2.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.20%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FFLC	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.15%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.73%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	3.98%	+8.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.92%	3.98%	+12.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.65%	3.98%	+13.67%

FFLC vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FFLC has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

FFLC vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

FFLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FFLC Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Core ETF	1.00%	1.10%	0.82%	0.57%	1.67%	1.68%	0.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FFLC and BUFX in my portfolio?

FFLC 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, FFLC or BUFX?

On fees, FFLC is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FFLC or BUFX?

FFLC is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

FFLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between FFLC and BUFX?

FFLC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for FFLC and 0.96% for BUFX.