QQLV vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QQLV (Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQLV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Low Volatility Index, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QQLV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

QQLV vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) 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, QQLV achieves a 1.94% return, which is significantly lower than BUFX's 4.10% return.

QQLV

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.15%
• YTD: 1.94%
• 6M: 1.06%
• 1Y: -1.95%
• 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)

QQLV vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	1.94%	-1.01%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between QQLV and BUFX is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.39

Return for Risk

QQLV vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQLV

QQLV Risk / Return Rank: 6
QQLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
QQLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
QQLV Omega Ratio Rank: 6
QQLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
QQLV Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

QQLV vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) 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.

	QQLV	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.19	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.20	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.27	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.52	—	—
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

	QQLV	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.19	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.01	2.68	-2.67

Drawdowns

QQLV vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQLV drawdown since its inception was -9.54%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQLV and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQLV	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.54%	-2.87%	-6.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.35%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.61%	-0.07%	-3.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.19%	-0.24%	-2.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QQLV	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.05%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.13%	3.98%	+6.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.70%	3.98%	+8.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.70%	3.98%	+8.72%

QQLV vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQLV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQLV vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

QQLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	2.06%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQLV and BUFX in my portfolio?

QQLV and BUFX have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QQLV or BUFX?

On fees, QQLV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQLV or BUFX?

QQLV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

QQLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.06%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between QQLV and BUFX?

QQLV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for QQLV and 0.96% for BUFX.