NXTI vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

NXTI (Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NXTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the NEXT Intangible Core Index, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, NXTI returned 12.56% vs 9.40% for BUFX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NXTI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

NXTI vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) 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, NXTI achieves a 5.16% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.77% return.

NXTI

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 5.16%
• 6M: 3.08%
• 1Y: 12.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 3.77%
• 6M: 3.59%
• 1Y: 9.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NXTI vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF	5.16%	7.04%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.77%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between NXTI and BUFX is 0.74, 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 25, 2025	0.74

Return for Risk

NXTI vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NXTI

NXTI Risk / Return Rank: 23
NXTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
NXTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
NXTI Omega Ratio Rank: 23
NXTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
NXTI Martin Ratio Rank: 22

BUFX

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

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.

NXTI vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) 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.

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.

	NXTI	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.24	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.58	—	—

Drawdowns

NXTI vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXTI drawdown since its inception was -19.65%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTI and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXTI	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.65%	-2.87%	-16.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-2.87%	-10.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.59%	-0.65%	-2.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.22%	-0.25%	-2.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.87%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NXTI	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.51%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.03%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.08%	4.04%	+11.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.14%	4.04%	+13.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.14%	4.04%	+13.10%

NXTI vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXTI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

NXTI vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

NXTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.59%, 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%
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF	0.59%	0.62%	3.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXTI and BUFX in my portfolio?

NXTI and BUFX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NXTI or BUFX?

On 1-year performance, NXTI leads with 12.56% vs 9.40% for BUFX. On fees, NXTI is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NXTI or BUFX?

Over the 1-year period, NXTI has performed better with a 12.56% return vs 9.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXTI or BUFX?

NXTI is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

NXTI has the higher dividend yield at 0.59%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between NXTI and BUFX?

NXTI is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NXTI and 0.96% for BUFX.