FMKT vs. BUFX
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 actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FMKT returned 2.63% vs 9.79% for BUFX. Their 0.63 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. FMKT charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.
Performance
FMKT vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FMKT achieves a 0.86% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 5.06% return.
FMKT
- 1D
- 0.42%
- 1M
- -1.23%
- 6M
- -0.59%
- YTD
- 0.86%
- 1Y
- 2.63%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 9.59%
BUFX
- 1D
- 0.27%
- 1M
- 0.68%
- 6M
- 4.54%
- YTD
- 5.06%
- 1Y
- 9.79%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 9.76%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $98.01K | $102.06K | $119.53K | |
| $56.87K | $86.94K | $97.49K |
FMKT vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
FMKT The Free Markets ETF | 0.86% | 7.20% |
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF | 5.06% | 5.43% |
Correlation
The correlation between FMKT and BUFX is 0.64, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.64 |
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 0.63 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
FMKT vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank
FMKT
BUFX
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 ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -2.22 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -3.33 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.03 | 1.49 | -0.46 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.09 | 3.28 | -3.19 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.21 | 19.17 | -18.96 |
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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.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FMKT | BUFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest 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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -8.48% | 0.00% | -8.48% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.62% | -0.24% | -5.38% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 7.31% | 0.49% | +6.82% |
Volatility
FMKT vs. BUFX - Volatility Comparison
The Free Markets ETF (FMKT) has a higher volatility of 4.70% compared to FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) at 0.99%. 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.
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Volatility by Period
| FMKT | BUFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.70% | 0.99% | +3.71% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.90% | 3.45% | +11.45% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.64% | 4.10% | +15.54% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.17% | 3.96% | +15.21% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.17% | 3.96% | +15.21% |
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 2.13%, 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 | 2.13% | 2.15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FMKT and BUFX have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
FMKT has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to BUFX (0.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMKT dropped -17.79% vs BUFX's -2.87%.
On 1-year performance, BUFX leads with 9.79% vs 2.63% for FMKT. On fees, FMKT is cheaper at 0.76% per year. On volatility, BUFX has been the lower-risk option at 0.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, BUFX has performed better with a 9.79% return vs 2.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
FMKT is cheaper with a 0.76% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.
FMKT has the higher dividend yield at 2.13%, compared with 0.00% for 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.
BUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 0.08), 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.
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