PFDE vs. BUFH

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PFDE (Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PFDE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Pathfinder, while BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PFDE charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

PFDE vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF (PFDE) 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, PFDE achieves a 13.09% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.88% return.

PFDE

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 2.90%
• 6M: 11.47%
• YTD: 13.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.56%
• 6M: 2.66%
• YTD: 2.88%
• 1Y: 6.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PFDE vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	13.09%	-0.91%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.88%	-0.10%

Correlation

The correlation between PFDE and BUFH is 0.75, 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 Dec 31, 2025	0.75

Return for Risk

PFDE vs. BUFH — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFDE

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

BUFH

BUFH Risk / Return Rank: 93
BUFH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
BUFH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
BUFH Omega Ratio Rank: 95
BUFH Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
BUFH Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

PFDE vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF (PFDE) 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.

	PFDE	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.64	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.15	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.59	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.09	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	19.22	—

Drawdowns

PFDE vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFDE drawdown since its inception was -10.37%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFDE and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFDE	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.37%	-1.53%	-8.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	0.00%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.07%	-0.17%	-1.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.33%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PFDE	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.60%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.97%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.41%	2.37%	+14.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.41%	2.34%	+14.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.41%	2.34%	+14.07%

PFDE vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFDE has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFDE vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

PFDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFDE and BUFH in my portfolio?

PFDE and BUFH have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PFDE or BUFH?

On fees, PFDE is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFDE or BUFH?

PFDE is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

PFDE has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between PFDE and BUFH?

PFDE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFH is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Pathfinder and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for PFDE and 0.95% for BUFH.