GDIV vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GDIV (Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GDIV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Harbor, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GDIV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

GDIV vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) 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, GDIV achieves a 11.37% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.10% return.

GDIV

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 3.80%
• YTD: 11.37%
• 6M: 11.88%
• 1Y: 24.33%
• 3Y*: 16.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 4.88%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GDIV vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GDIV Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF	11.37%	11.04%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between GDIV and BUFX is 0.77, 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	0.77

Return for Risk

GDIV vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDIV

GDIV Risk / Return Rank: 60
GDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
GDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
GDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 62
GDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
GDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

GDIV vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) 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.

	GDIV	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.99	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.49	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GDIV	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.84	2.68	-1.84

Drawdowns

GDIV vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDIV drawdown since its inception was -18.93%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDIV and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDIV	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.93%	-2.87%	-16.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-0.07%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.18%	-0.24%	-2.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GDIV	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.30%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.89%	3.98%	+7.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.32%	3.98%	+11.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.32%	3.98%	+11.34%

GDIV vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDIV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDIV vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

GDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.13%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GDIV Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF	1.13%	1.19%	1.30%	2.27%	5.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDIV and BUFX in my portfolio?

GDIV and BUFX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GDIV or BUFX?

On fees, GDIV is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDIV or BUFX?

GDIV is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

GDIV has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between GDIV and BUFX?

GDIV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Harbor and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GDIV and 0.96% for BUFX.