SGLC vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SGLC (SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SGLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Summit Global Investments, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Over the past year, SGLC returned 28.28% vs 9.64% for BUFX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SGLC charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

SGLC vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (SGLC) 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, SGLC achieves a 11.22% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.81% return.

SGLC

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -1.93%
• YTD: 11.22%
• 6M: 9.96%
• 1Y: 28.28%
• 3Y*: 20.96%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 3.81%
• 6M: 3.64%
• 1Y: 9.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SGLC vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SGLC SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF	11.22%	15.29%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.81%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between SGLC 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2025	0.83

The correlation between SGLC and BUFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SGLC vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SGLC

SGLC Risk / Return Rank: 70
SGLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
SGLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SGLC Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SGLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SGLC Martin Ratio Rank: 76

BUFX

BUFX Risk / Return Rank: 87
BUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
BUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
BUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
BUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

SGLC vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (SGLC) 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.

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.

	SGLC	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.40	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	3.79	-1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.53	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	3.38	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.65	19.91	-7.27

SGLC vs. BUFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SGLC Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the BUFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SGLC and BUFX, 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

SGLC vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SGLC drawdown since its inception was -20.24%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SGLC and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SGLC	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.24%	-2.87%	-17.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-2.87%	-6.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.24%	-0.61%	-2.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-0.25%	-2.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.24%	0.49%	+1.75%

Volatility

SGLC vs. BUFX - Volatility Comparison

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (SGLC) has a higher volatility of 4.72% compared to FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) at 1.22%. This indicates that SGLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SGLC	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.72%	1.22%	+3.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.63%	3.39%	+8.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.97%	4.03%	+9.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	4.03%	+12.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.08%	4.03%	+12.05%

SGLC vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SGLC has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

SGLC vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

SGLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.21%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SGLC SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF	0.21%	0.23%	8.68%	1.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SGLC and BUFX in my portfolio?

SGLC 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 is riskier, SGLC or BUFX?

SGLC has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to BUFX (1.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SGLC dropped -20.24% vs BUFX's -2.87%.

Which ETF is better, SGLC or BUFX?

On 1-year performance, SGLC leads with 28.28% vs 9.64% for BUFX. On fees, SGLC is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, BUFX has been the lower-risk option at 1.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SGLC or BUFX?

Over the 1-year period, SGLC has performed better with a 28.28% return vs 9.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SGLC or BUFX?

SGLC is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

SGLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.21%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between SGLC and BUFX?

SGLC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Summit Global Investments and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for SGLC and 0.96% for BUFX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.03), 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.