NELS vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NELS (Nelson Select ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NELS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Nelson Capital Management, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NELS charges 1.69%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

NELS vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nelson Select ETF (NELS) 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, NELS achieves a 9.49% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.65% return.

NELS

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 9.64%
• 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)

NELS vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NELS Nelson Select ETF	9.49%	2.42%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.65%	2.17%

Correlation

The correlation between NELS and BUFX is 0.85, 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 Oct 16, 2025	0.85

Return for Risk

NELS vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	NELS	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.34	2.51	-1.17

Drawdowns

NELS vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NELS drawdown since its inception was -9.30%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NELS and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NELS	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-2.87%	-6.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	-0.59%	-2.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-0.24%	-1.37%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NELS	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	4.02%	+10.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	4.02%	+10.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	4.02%	+10.78%

NELS vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NELS has a 1.69% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

NELS vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

Neither NELS nor BUFX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NELS and BUFX in my portfolio?

NELS and BUFX have a correlation of 0.85, 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 BUFX?

On fees, BUFX is cheaper at 0.96% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NELS or BUFX?

BUFX is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.69% for NELS.

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

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

What is the main difference between NELS and BUFX?

NELS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Nelson Capital Management and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.69% for NELS and 0.96% for BUFX.