PSFO vs. BUFR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSFO (Pacer Swan SOS Flex (October) ETF) and BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSFO is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Pacer, while BUFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSFO returned 12.39%/yr vs 13.70%/yr for BUFR. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSFO charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFR.

Performance

PSFO vs. BUFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Flex (October) ETF (PSFO) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PSFO having a 5.92% return and BUFR slightly lower at 5.63%.

PSFO

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 5.92%
• 6M: 5.46%
• 1Y: 16.06%
• 3Y*: 12.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFR

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 5.63%
• 6M: 5.31%
• 1Y: 15.99%
• 3Y*: 13.70%
• 5Y*: 9.61%
• 10Y*: —

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

PSFO vs. BUFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PSFO Pacer Swan SOS Flex (October) ETF	5.92%	12.93%	10.78%	20.03%	-0.34%	4.84%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	5.63%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	-7.57%	4.71%

Correlation

The correlation between PSFO and BUFR is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2021	0.92

The correlation between PSFO and BUFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSFO vs. BUFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSFO

PSFO Risk / Return Rank: 76
PSFO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
PSFO Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
PSFO Omega Ratio Rank: 79
PSFO Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PSFO Martin Ratio Rank: 81

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 82
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

PSFO vs. BUFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (October) ETF (PSFO) 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.

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.

	PSFO	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	2.42	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	3.48	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.48	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.10	3.49	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.83	18.54	-3.71

PSFO vs. BUFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSFO Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the BUFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSFO 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.

Drawdowns

PSFO vs. BUFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSFO drawdown since its inception was -12.09%, smaller than the maximum BUFR drawdown of -13.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSFO and BUFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSFO	BUFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.09%	-13.73%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.20%	-4.61%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.09%	-12.81%	+0.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-0.96%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.74%	-2.08%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	0.86%	+0.23%

Volatility

PSFO vs. BUFR - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Swan SOS Flex (October) ETF (PSFO) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) have volatilities of 2.03% and 2.13%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSFO	BUFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.03%	2.13%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.69%	5.25%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.38%	6.65%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.03%	10.48%	-0.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.03%	10.22%	-0.19%

PSFO vs. BUFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSFO has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSFO vs. BUFR - Dividend Comparison

Neither PSFO nor BUFR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSFO and BUFR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, PSFO and BUFR 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 is riskier, PSFO or BUFR?

BUFR has higher volatility (2.13%) compared to PSFO (2.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSFO dropped -12.09% vs BUFR's -13.73%.

Which ETF is better, PSFO or BUFR?

On 3-year performance, BUFR leads with 13.70% vs 12.39% for PSFO. On fees, PSFO is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, PSFO has been the lower-risk option at 2.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSFO or BUFR?

Over the 3-year period, BUFR has performed better with a 13.70% return vs 12.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSFO or BUFR?

PSFO is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

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

PSFO and BUFR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PSFO and BUFR?

PSFO is categorized as Options Trading, while BUFR is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PSFO and 0.95% for BUFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.20), 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.