SIXZ vs. BUFP

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SIXZ (AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF) and BUFP (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. SIXZ is actively managed, while BUFP is passively managed. Over the past year, SIXZ returned 10.69% vs 14.76% for BUFP. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIXZ charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for BUFP.

Performance

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF (SIXZ) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SIXZ having a 5.54% return and BUFP slightly higher at 5.56%.

SIXZ

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 5.54%
• 6M: 4.95%
• 1Y: 10.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFP

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 5.56%
• 6M: 5.26%
• 1Y: 14.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SIXZ AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF	5.54%	7.24%	6.16%
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	5.56%	12.92%	6.30%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXZ and BUFP is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2024	0.87

The correlation between SIXZ and BUFP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SIXZ vs. BUFP — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXZ

SIXZ Risk / Return Rank: 61
SIXZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SIXZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SIXZ Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SIXZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SIXZ Martin Ratio Rank: 66

BUFP

BUFP Risk / Return Rank: 85
BUFP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFP Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
BUFP Omega Ratio Rank: 88
BUFP Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFP Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF (SIXZ) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP). 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.

	SIXZ	BUFP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	2.33	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	3.43	-0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.48	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	3.36	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.60	18.28	-7.68

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the BUFP Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXZ and BUFP, 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

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXZ drawdown since its inception was -10.27%, smaller than the maximum BUFP drawdown of -11.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXZ and BUFP.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXZ	BUFP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.27%	-11.98%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.45%	-4.41%	-0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-0.90%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-0.99%	+0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	0.81%	+0.20%

Volatility

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF (SIXZ) is 1.95%, while PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) has a volatility of 2.11%. This indicates that SIXZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXZ	BUFP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.95%	2.11%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.31%	5.13%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.22%	6.35%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.78%	9.45%	-1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.78%	9.45%	-1.67%

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXZ has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXZ vs. BUFP - Dividend Comparison

SIXZ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BUFP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.02%
SIXZ AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXZ and BUFP in my portfolio?

SIXZ and BUFP have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIXZ or BUFP?

BUFP has higher volatility (2.11%) compared to SIXZ (1.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXZ dropped -10.27% vs BUFP's -11.98%.

Which ETF is better, SIXZ or BUFP?

On 1-year performance, BUFP leads with 14.76% vs 10.69% for SIXZ. On fees, BUFP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SIXZ has been the lower-risk option at 1.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXZ or BUFP?

Over the 1-year period, BUFP has performed better with a 14.76% return vs 10.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXZ or BUFP?

BUFP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.74% for SIXZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SIXZ or BUFP?

BUFP has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for SIXZ.

What is the main difference between SIXZ and BUFP?

They also come from different issuers: Allianz and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for SIXZ and 0.50% for BUFP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.73), 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.