FMAR vs. BUFD

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FMAR (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March) and BUFD (FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from FT Vest. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FMAR returned 10.37%/yr vs 7.32%/yr for BUFD. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FMAR charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFD.

Performance

FMAR vs. BUFD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) and FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMAR achieves a 9.22% return, which is significantly higher than BUFD's 4.64% return.

FMAR

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: -0.23%
• YTD: 9.22%
• 6M: 9.19%
• 1Y: 16.60%
• 3Y*: 13.81%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: —

BUFD

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 4.64%
• 6M: 4.12%
• 1Y: 12.44%
• 3Y*: 11.62%
• 5Y*: 7.32%
• 10Y*: —

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

FMAR vs. BUFD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FMAR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March	9.22%	9.69%	14.61%	20.39%	-5.51%	11.71%
BUFD FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF	4.64%	10.66%	12.42%	15.40%	-7.70%	5.35%

Correlation

The correlation between FMAR and BUFD is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2021	0.86

The correlation between FMAR and BUFD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FMAR vs. BUFD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMAR

FMAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
FMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
FMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 97
FMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 98

BUFD

BUFD Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
BUFD Omega Ratio Rank: 88
BUFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFD Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

FMAR vs. BUFD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) and FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD). 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.

	FMAR	BUFD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.27	2.40	+0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.17	3.63	+1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.79	1.49	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.06	3.64	+3.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	43.62	19.50	+24.12

FMAR vs. BUFD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMAR Sharpe Ratio is 3.27, which is higher than the BUFD Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMAR and BUFD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FMAR vs. BUFD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMAR drawdown since its inception was -14.36%, which is greater than BUFD's maximum drawdown of -10.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMAR and BUFD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMAR	BUFD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.36%	-10.75%	-3.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.36%	-3.43%	+1.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.37%	-10.15%	-2.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.36%	-10.75%	-3.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-0.64%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.12%	-1.95%	-0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	0.64%	-0.26%

Volatility

FMAR vs. BUFD - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) and FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD) have volatilities of 1.75% and 1.67%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FMAR	BUFD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.75%	1.67%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.27%	4.17%	+0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.13%	5.26%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.47%	7.75%	+2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.32%	7.54%	+2.78%

FMAR vs. BUFD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMAR has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMAR vs. BUFD - Dividend Comparison

Neither FMAR nor BUFD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMAR and BUFD in my portfolio?

FMAR and BUFD have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMAR or BUFD?

FMAR has higher volatility (1.75%) compared to BUFD (1.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMAR dropped -14.36% vs BUFD's -10.75%.

Which ETF is better, FMAR or BUFD?

On 5-year performance, FMAR leads with 10.37% vs 7.32% for BUFD. On fees, FMAR is cheaper at 0.85% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FMAR or BUFD?

Over the 5-year period, FMAR has performed better with a 10.37% return vs 7.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMAR or BUFD?

FMAR is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FMAR or BUFD?

FMAR and BUFD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FMAR and BUFD?

Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FMAR and 0.95% for BUFD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.27 vs 2.40), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.