GUSA vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

GUSA (Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GUSA is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Solactive GBS United States 1000 Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, GUSA returned 21.87% vs 6.28% for BUFH. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GUSA charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

GUSA vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) 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, GUSA achieves a 8.07% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.30% return.

GUSA

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -1.89%
• YTD: 8.07%
• 6M: 6.74%
• 1Y: 21.87%
• 3Y*: 20.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 2.30%
• 6M: 2.28%
• 1Y: 6.28%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GUSA vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GUSA Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF	8.07%	12.65%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.30%	3.81%

Correlation

The correlation between GUSA and BUFH is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2025	0.76

The correlation between GUSA and BUFH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GUSA vs. BUFH — Risk / Return Rank

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

GUSA

GUSA Risk / Return Rank: 59
GUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
GUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
GUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
GUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
GUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 67

BUFH

BUFH Risk / Return Rank: 91
BUFH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
BUFH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
BUFH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
BUFH Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
BUFH Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

GUSA vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) 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.

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.

	GUSA	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.66	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	4.16	-1.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.59	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	4.11	-1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.74	19.34	-8.61

GUSA vs. BUFH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GUSA Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is lower than the BUFH Sharpe Ratio of 2.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GUSA and BUFH, 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

GUSA vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUSA drawdown since its inception was -19.61%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUSA and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUSA	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.61%	-1.53%	-18.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.01%	-1.53%	-7.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.11%	-0.26%	-2.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.35%	-0.18%	-4.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	0.33%	+1.71%

Volatility

GUSA vs. BUFH - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) has a higher volatility of 4.67% compared to FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) at 0.62%. This indicates that GUSA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GUSA	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	0.62%	+4.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.05%	1.96%	+8.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.74%	2.37%	+10.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.28%	2.37%	+14.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.28%	2.37%	+14.91%

GUSA vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUSA has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUSA vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

GUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GUSA Goldman Sachs MarketBeta U.S. 1000 Equity ETF	1.00%	0.99%	1.16%	1.36%	1.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUSA and BUFH in my portfolio?

GUSA and BUFH have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GUSA or BUFH?

GUSA has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to BUFH (0.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GUSA dropped -19.61% vs BUFH's -1.53%.

Which ETF is better, GUSA or BUFH?

On 1-year performance, GUSA leads with 21.87% vs 6.28% for BUFH. On fees, GUSA is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, BUFH has been the lower-risk option at 0.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GUSA or BUFH?

Over the 1-year period, GUSA has performed better with a 21.87% return vs 6.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GUSA or BUFH?

GUSA is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

GUSA has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between GUSA and BUFH?

GUSA is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for GUSA and 0.95% for BUFH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 1.72), 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.