PBFR vs. BUFR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) and BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PBFR returned 12.83% vs 17.61% for BUFR. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBFR charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFR.

Performance

PBFR vs. BUFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBFR achieves a 4.52% return, which is significantly lower than BUFR's 6.42% return.

PBFR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 12.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFR

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 7.11%
• 1Y: 17.61%
• 3Y*: 14.50%
• 5Y*: 9.98%
• 10Y*: —

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

PBFR vs. BUFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.52%	10.44%	5.53%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.42%	12.44%	5.80%

Correlation

The correlation between PBFR and BUFR is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2024	0.90

The correlation between PBFR and BUFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

PBFR vs. BUFR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PBFR	BUFR
Technology	36.2%	35.8%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.8%
Communication Services	10.9%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.2%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.4%
Industrials	8.1%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.3%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

PBFR vs. BUFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 84
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

PBFR vs. BUFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). 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.

	PBFR	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	2.71	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.36	3.95	+0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.66	1.55	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.57	3.84	+0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	24.09	20.78	+3.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PBFR vs. BUFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBFR Sharpe Ratio is 2.99, which is comparable to the BUFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBFR and BUFR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PBFR	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99	2.71	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.96	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.54	1.07	+0.47

Drawdowns

PBFR vs. BUFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBFR drawdown since its inception was -8.50%, smaller than the maximum BUFR drawdown of -13.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBFR and BUFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBFR	BUFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-13.73%	+5.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-4.61%	+1.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.81%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.21%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.63%	-2.09%	+1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.53%	0.85%	-0.32%

Volatility

PBFR vs. BUFR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) is 0.64%, while FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) has a volatility of 1.03%. This indicates that PBFR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBFR	BUFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.64%	1.03%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.34%	4.95%	-1.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.33%	6.53%	-2.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.89%	10.44%	-3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.89%	10.23%	-3.34%

PBFR vs. BUFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBFR has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBFR vs. BUFR - Dividend Comparison

PBFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, while BUFR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBFR and BUFR in my portfolio?

PBFR and BUFR have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBFR or BUFR?

BUFR has higher volatility (1.03%) compared to PBFR (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBFR dropped -8.50% vs BUFR's -13.73%.

Which ETF is better, PBFR or BUFR?

On 1-year performance, BUFR leads with 17.61% vs 12.83% for PBFR. On fees, PBFR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PBFR has been the lower-risk option at 0.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBFR or BUFR?

Over the 1-year period, BUFR has performed better with a 17.61% return vs 12.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBFR or BUFR?

PBFR is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBFR or BUFR?

PBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for BUFR.

What is the main difference between PBFR and BUFR?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PBFR and 0.95% for BUFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 2.71), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.