FLAG vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLAG (Global X S&P 500 U.S. Market Leaders TOP 50 ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLAG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 U.S. Revenue Market Leaders 50 Index, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLAG charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

FLAG vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X S&P 500 U.S. Market Leaders TOP 50 ETF (FLAG) 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, FLAG achieves a -0.18% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 4.10% return.

FLAG

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: 0.08%
• 1Y: 7.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

FLAG vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FLAG Global X S&P 500 U.S. Market Leaders TOP 50 ETF	-0.18%	7.06%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between FLAG and BUFX 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

FLAG vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLAG

FLAG Risk / Return Rank: 22
FLAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
FLAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FLAG Omega Ratio Rank: 21
FLAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
FLAG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

FLAG vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 U.S. Market Leaders TOP 50 ETF (FLAG) 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.

	FLAG	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.85	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.92	—	—
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

	FLAG	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.05	2.68	-1.63

Drawdowns

FLAG vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLAG drawdown since its inception was -9.29%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLAG and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLAG	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.29%	-2.87%	-6.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.00%	-0.07%	-1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.85%	-0.24%	-1.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.71%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FLAG	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.70%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.87%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.63%	3.98%	+6.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.32%	3.98%	+7.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.32%	3.98%	+7.34%

FLAG vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLAG has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLAG vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

FLAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FLAG Global X S&P 500 U.S. Market Leaders TOP 50 ETF	1.35%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLAG and BUFX in my portfolio?

FLAG and BUFX 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, FLAG or BUFX?

On fees, FLAG is cheaper at 0.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLAG or BUFX?

FLAG is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

FLAG has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between FLAG and BUFX?

FLAG is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for FLAG and 0.96% for BUFX.