FMKT vs. BUFX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FMKT (The Free Markets ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMKT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, FMKT returned 6.48% vs 9.52% for BUFX. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMKT charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

FMKT vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) 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, FMKT achieves a 1.44% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 4.66% return.

FMKT

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.05%
• 6M: -3.05%
• YTD: 1.44%
• 1Y: 6.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.77%
• 6M: 4.22%
• YTD: 4.66%
• 1Y: 9.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FMKT vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	1.44%	7.20%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.66%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between FMKT and BUFX is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2025	0.63

The correlation between FMKT and BUFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FMKT vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMKT

FMKT Risk / Return Rank: 15
FMKT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
FMKT Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
FMKT Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FMKT Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
FMKT Martin Ratio Rank: 14

BUFX

BUFX Risk / Return Rank: 90
BUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
BUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
BUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
BUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
BUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

FMKT vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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.

	FMKT	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	2.38	-2.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.61	3.74	-3.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.52	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.37	3.33	-2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.92	19.60	-18.68

FMKT vs. BUFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMKT Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the BUFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMKT and BUFX, 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

FMKT vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMKT drawdown since its inception was -17.79%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMKT and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMKT	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.79%	-2.87%	-14.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.79%	-2.87%	-14.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.96%	-0.11%	-7.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.48%	-0.24%	-5.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.04%	0.49%	+6.55%

Volatility

FMKT vs. BUFX - Volatility Comparison

The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) has a higher volatility of 3.41% compared to FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) at 1.03%. This indicates that FMKT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FMKT	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.41%	1.03%	+2.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.83%	3.40%	+11.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.59%	4.03%	+15.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.23%	3.97%	+15.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.23%	3.97%	+15.26%

FMKT vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMKT has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMKT vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

FMKT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.12%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
FMKT The Free Markets ETF	2.12%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMKT and BUFX in my portfolio?

FMKT and BUFX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMKT or BUFX?

FMKT has higher volatility (3.41%) compared to BUFX (1.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMKT dropped -17.79% vs BUFX's -2.87%.

Which ETF is better, FMKT or BUFX?

On 1-year performance, BUFX leads with 9.52% vs 6.48% for FMKT. On fees, FMKT is cheaper at 0.76% per year. On volatility, BUFX has been the lower-risk option at 1.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FMKT or BUFX?

Over the 1-year period, BUFX has performed better with a 9.52% return vs 6.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMKT or BUFX?

FMKT is cheaper with a 0.76% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

FMKT has the higher dividend yield at 2.12%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between FMKT and BUFX?

FMKT is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for FMKT and 0.96% for BUFX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 0.33), 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.