GXLC vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GXLC (Global X U.S. 500 ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GXLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GXLC charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

GXLC vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC) 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, GXLC achieves a 8.50% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.65% return.

GXLC

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 8.50%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GXLC vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	8.50%	3.22%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.65%	2.36%

Correlation

The correlation between GXLC and BUFX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

GXLC vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X U.S. 500 ETF (GXLC) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GXLC	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.30	2.51	-1.21

Drawdowns

GXLC vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXLC drawdown since its inception was -9.08%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXLC and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXLC	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.08%	-2.87%	-6.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	-0.59%	-2.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.50%	-0.24%	-1.26%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GXLC	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.63%	4.02%	+9.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.63%	4.02%	+9.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.63%	4.02%	+9.61%

GXLC vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXLC has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

GXLC vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

GXLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
GXLC Global X U.S. 500 ETF	0.64%	0.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXLC and BUFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, GXLC and BUFX 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 ETF is better, GXLC or BUFX?

On fees, GXLC is cheaper at 0.02% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXLC or BUFX?

GXLC is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

GXLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.64%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between GXLC and BUFX?

GXLC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.02% for GXLC and 0.96% for BUFX.