PRCS vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PRCS (Parnassus Core Select ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PRCS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Parnassus, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PRCS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

PRCS vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Parnassus Core Select ETF (PRCS) 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, PRCS achieves a 2.88% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 4.10% return.

PRCS

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: 1.15%
• YTD: 2.88%
• 6M: 2.48%
• 1Y: 12.71%
• 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)

PRCS vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PRCS Parnassus Core Select ETF	2.88%	7.26%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between PRCS and BUFX is 0.83, 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

PRCS vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRCS

PRCS Risk / Return Rank: 27
PRCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
PRCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
PRCS Omega Ratio Rank: 28
PRCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
PRCS Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

PRCS vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Parnassus Core Select ETF (PRCS) 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.

	PRCS	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.48	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.94	—	—
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

	PRCS	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.02	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	2.68	-2.25

Drawdowns

PRCS vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRCS drawdown since its inception was -18.20%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRCS and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRCS	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.20%	-2.87%	-15.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-0.07%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.00%	-0.24%	-2.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PRCS	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.40%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.78%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.52%	3.98%	+8.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.86%	3.98%	+12.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.86%	3.98%	+12.88%

PRCS vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRCS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRCS vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

PRCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
PRCS Parnassus Core Select ETF	0.13%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PRCS and BUFX in my portfolio?

PRCS and BUFX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PRCS or BUFX?

On fees, PRCS is cheaper at 0.58% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PRCS or BUFX?

PRCS is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

PRCS has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between PRCS and BUFX?

PRCS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Parnassus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for PRCS and 0.96% for BUFX.