FMKT vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FMKT (The Free Markets ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMKT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMKT charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

FMKT vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) 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, FMKT achieves a 2.65% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.45% return.

FMKT

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -0.64%
• YTD: 2.65%
• 6M: 0.39%
• 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)

FMKT vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	2.65%	8.41%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.45%	3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between FMKT and BUFH is 0.55, 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	0.55

Return for Risk

FMKT vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) 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

	FMKT	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	2.91	-2.18

Drawdowns

FMKT vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMKT drawdown since its inception was -17.79%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMKT and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMKT	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.79%	-1.53%	-16.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.86%	-0.05%	-6.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.25%	-0.18%	-5.07%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMKT	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.59%	2.37%	+17.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.59%	2.37%	+17.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.59%	2.37%	+17.22%

FMKT vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMKT has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMKT vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

FMKT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.10%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	2.10%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMKT and BUFH in my portfolio?

FMKT and BUFH have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FMKT or BUFH?

On fees, FMKT is cheaper at 0.76% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMKT or BUFH?

FMKT is cheaper with a 0.76% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

FMKT has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between FMKT and BUFH?

FMKT is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for FMKT and 0.95% for BUFH.