KAT vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KAT (Scharf ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KAT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Scharf Investments, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KAT charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

KAT vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Scharf ETF (KAT) 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, KAT achieves a 0.37% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 4.10% return.

KAT

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.37%
• 6M: 2.21%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

KAT vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KAT Scharf ETF	0.37%	0.98%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	3.13%

Correlation

The correlation between KAT and BUFX is 0.62, 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 Aug 26, 2025	0.62

Return for Risk

KAT vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Scharf ETF (KAT) 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

	KAT	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	2.68	-2.52

Drawdowns

KAT vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KAT drawdown since its inception was -9.25%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KAT and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	KAT	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.25%	-2.87%	-6.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.98%	-0.07%	-4.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.20%	-0.24%	-2.96%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KAT	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.48%	3.98%	+6.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.48%	3.98%	+6.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.48%	3.98%	+6.50%

KAT vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

KAT has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

KAT vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

Neither KAT nor BUFX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KAT and BUFX in my portfolio?

KAT and BUFX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KAT or BUFX?

On fees, KAT is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, KAT or BUFX?

KAT is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

KAT and BUFX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between KAT and BUFX?

KAT is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Scharf Investments and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for KAT and 0.96% for BUFX.