FOCT vs. BUFR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FOCT (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October) and BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FOCT returned 9.04%/yr vs 9.85%/yr for BUFR. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FOCT charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFR.

Performance

FOCT vs. BUFR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FOCT having a 6.45% return and BUFR slightly lower at 6.33%.

FOCT

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 6.45%
• 6M: 6.34%
• 1Y: 19.91%
• 3Y*: 12.14%
• 5Y*: 9.04%
• 10Y*: —

BUFR

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 6.33%
• 6M: 6.24%
• 1Y: 17.48%
• 3Y*: 13.95%
• 5Y*: 9.85%
• 10Y*: —

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

FOCT vs. BUFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FOCT FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October	6.45%	14.92%	9.62%	17.81%	-7.59%	13.13%	4.94%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.33%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	-7.57%	11.88%	4.47%

Correlation

The correlation between FOCT and BUFR is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2020	0.92

The correlation between FOCT and BUFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FOCT vs. BUFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FOCT

FOCT Risk / Return Rank: 81
FOCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
FOCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FOCT Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FOCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
FOCT Martin Ratio Rank: 85

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
BUFR 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.

FOCT vs. BUFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). 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.

	FOCT	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	2.65	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.57	3.82	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.53	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	3.81	-0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.95	20.32	-3.36

FOCT vs. BUFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FOCT Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is comparable to the BUFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FOCT and BUFR, 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

FOCT vs. BUFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FOCT drawdown since its inception was -14.07%, roughly equal to the maximum BUFR drawdown of -13.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FOCT and BUFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FOCT	BUFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.07%	-13.73%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.74%	-4.61%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.06%	-12.81%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.07%	-13.73%	-0.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-0.30%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.24%	-2.08%	-0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.18%	0.86%	+0.32%

Volatility

FOCT vs. BUFR - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) have volatilities of 2.10% and 2.02%, 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

	FOCT	BUFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.10%	2.02%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.17%	5.23%	+0.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.05%	6.63%	+1.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.11%	10.47%	+0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.88%	10.22%	+0.66%

FOCT vs. BUFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FOCT has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

FOCT vs. BUFR - Dividend Comparison

Neither FOCT nor BUFR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FOCT and BUFR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, FOCT and BUFR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FOCT or BUFR?

FOCT has higher volatility (2.10%) compared to BUFR (2.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FOCT dropped -14.07% vs BUFR's -13.73%.

Which ETF is better, FOCT or BUFR?

On 5-year performance, BUFR leads with 9.85% vs 9.04% for FOCT. On fees, FOCT 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, FOCT or BUFR?

Over the 5-year period, BUFR has performed better with a 9.85% return vs 9.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FOCT or BUFR?

FOCT is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FOCT or BUFR?

FOCT and BUFR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FOCT and BUFR?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FOCT and 0.95% for BUFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 2.49), 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.