NELS vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NELS (Nelson Select ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NELS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Nelson Capital Management, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NELS charges 1.69%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

NELS vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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, NELS achieves a 10.77% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.49% return.

NELS

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 10.77%
• 6M: 10.11%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 2.49%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NELS vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NELS Nelson Select ETF	10.77%	1.83%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.49%	1.39%

Correlation

The correlation between NELS and BUFH is 0.72, 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 Oct 15, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

NELS vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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.

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

Drawdowns

NELS vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NELS drawdown since its inception was -9.30%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NELS and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	NELS	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-1.53%	-7.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.75%	-0.07%	-1.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.65%	-0.18%	-1.47%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NELS	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.70%	2.38%	+12.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.70%	2.38%	+12.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.70%	2.38%	+12.32%

NELS vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

NELS has a 1.69% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

NELS vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

Neither NELS nor BUFH has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NELS and BUFH in my portfolio?

NELS and BUFH have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NELS or BUFH?

On fees, BUFH is cheaper at 0.95% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NELS or BUFH?

BUFH is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.69% for NELS.

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

NELS and BUFH have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between NELS and BUFH?

NELS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Nelson Capital Management and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.69% for NELS and 0.95% for BUFH.