NSCR vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NSCR (Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NSCR is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Nuveen, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSCR charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

NSCR vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) 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, NSCR achieves a -6.24% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 4.10% return.

NSCR

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: -6.24%
• 6M: -6.10%
• 1Y: 7.29%
• 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)

NSCR vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NSCR Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF	-6.24%	11.98%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between NSCR and BUFX is 0.79, 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.79

Return for Risk

NSCR vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSCR

NSCR Risk / Return Rank: 18
NSCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
NSCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
NSCR Omega Ratio Rank: 20
NSCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
NSCR Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

NSCR vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) 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.

	NSCR	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.62	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.70	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NSCR	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	2.68	-2.15

Drawdowns

NSCR vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSCR drawdown since its inception was -20.75%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSCR and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSCR	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.75%	-2.87%	-17.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.81%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.98%	-0.07%	-7.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.33%	-0.24%	-3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.29%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NSCR	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.00%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.25%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.81%	3.98%	+7.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.97%	3.98%	+11.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.97%	3.98%	+11.99%

NSCR vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSCR has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSCR vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

NSCR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.34%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NSCR Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF	16.34%	1.92%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSCR and BUFX in my portfolio?

NSCR and BUFX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NSCR or BUFX?

On fees, NSCR is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSCR or BUFX?

NSCR is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

NSCR has the higher dividend yield at 16.34%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between NSCR and BUFX?

NSCR is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Nuveen and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for NSCR and 0.96% for BUFX.