PSFF vs. BUFB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PSFF (Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF) and BUFB (Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. PSFF is actively managed, while BUFB is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSFF returned 12.46%/yr vs 15.14%/yr for BUFB. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSFF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFB.

Performance

PSFF vs. BUFB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF (PSFF) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSFF achieves a 5.75% return, which is significantly lower than BUFB's 6.82% return.

PSFF

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 5.75%
• 6M: 5.79%
• 1Y: 15.23%
• 3Y*: 12.46%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: —

BUFB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 6.82%
• 6M: 7.04%
• 1Y: 18.84%
• 3Y*: 15.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSFF vs. BUFB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PSFF Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF	5.75%	10.38%	13.18%	18.39%	-2.61%
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	6.82%	13.42%	16.37%	20.50%	-8.23%

Correlation

The correlation between PSFF and BUFB is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 9, 2022	0.85

The correlation between PSFF and BUFB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSFF vs. BUFB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSFF

PSFF Risk / Return Rank: 86
PSFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
PSFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PSFF Omega Ratio Rank: 85
PSFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
PSFF Martin Ratio Rank: 91

BUFB

BUFB Risk / Return Rank: 83
BUFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
BUFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
BUFB Omega Ratio Rank: 85
BUFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFB 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.

PSFF vs. BUFB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF (PSFF) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB). 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.

	PSFF	BUFB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	2.47	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.98	3.57	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.49	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	3.70	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.78	19.19	+1.60

PSFF vs. BUFB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSFF Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is comparable to the BUFB Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSFF and BUFB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PSFF vs. BUFB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSFF drawdown since its inception was -10.78%, smaller than the maximum BUFB drawdown of -14.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSFF and BUFB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSFF	BUFB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.78%	-14.88%	+4.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.67%	-5.12%	+1.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.78%	-13.75%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.78%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-0.52%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-2.85%	+1.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.73%	0.98%	-0.25%

Volatility

PSFF vs. BUFB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Swan SOS Fund of Funds ETF (PSFF) is 1.63%, while Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) has a volatility of 2.47%. This indicates that PSFF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSFF	BUFB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.63%	2.47%	-0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.73%	6.16%	-1.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.98%	7.69%	-1.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.24%	11.99%	-2.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.08%	11.99%	-2.91%

PSFF vs. BUFB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSFF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFB's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSFF vs. BUFB - Dividend Comparison

Neither PSFF nor BUFB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSFF and BUFB in my portfolio?

PSFF and BUFB have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSFF or BUFB?

BUFB has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to PSFF (1.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSFF dropped -10.78% vs BUFB's -14.88%.

Which ETF is better, PSFF or BUFB?

On 3-year performance, BUFB leads with 15.14% vs 12.46% for PSFF. On fees, PSFF is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, PSFF has been the lower-risk option at 1.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSFF or BUFB?

Over the 3-year period, BUFB has performed better with a 15.14% return vs 12.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSFF or BUFB?

PSFF is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSFF or BUFB?

PSFF and BUFB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PSFF and BUFB?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PSFF and 0.89% for BUFB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 2.47), 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.