PFDE vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PFDE (Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PFDE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Pathfinder, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PFDE charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

PFDE vs. BUFX - 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 Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

PFDE

• 1D: -3.11%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 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)

PFDE vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	9.27%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.65%

Correlation

The correlation between PFDE and BUFX is 0.91, 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 Jan 2, 2026	0.91

Return for Risk

PFDE vs. BUFX - 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 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

	PFDE	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.43	2.51	-1.08

Drawdowns

PFDE vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFDE drawdown since its inception was -10.37%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFDE and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFDE	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.37%	-2.87%	-7.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.75%	-0.59%	-3.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.04%	-0.24%	-1.80%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PFDE	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.30%	4.02%	+12.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.30%	4.02%	+12.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.30%	4.02%	+12.28%

PFDE vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFDE has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFDE vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

PFDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFDE and BUFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, PFDE and BUFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, PFDE or BUFX?

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 BUFX?

PFDE is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

PFDE has the higher dividend yield at 0.11%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between PFDE and BUFX?

PFDE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Pathfinder and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for PFDE and 0.96% for BUFX.