STEN vs. BUFH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STEN (iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF) and BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STEN charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFH.

Performance

STEN vs. BUFH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STEN achieves a 7.79% return, which is significantly higher than BUFH's 2.45% return.

STEN

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 3.31%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 8.22%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 2.45%
• 6M: 2.82%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STEN vs. BUFH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	7.79%	2.05%
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.45%	1.34%

Correlation

The correlation between STEN and BUFH is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

STEN vs. BUFH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STEN	BUFH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.67	2.91	-1.24

Drawdowns

STEN vs. BUFH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STEN drawdown since its inception was -6.21%, which is greater than BUFH's maximum drawdown of -1.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STEN and BUFH.

Drawdown Indicators

	STEN	BUFH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-1.53%	-4.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-0.05%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-0.18%	-0.74%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STEN	BUFH	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.24%	2.37%	+6.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.24%	2.37%	+6.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.24%	2.37%	+6.87%

STEN vs. BUFH - Expense Ratio Comparison

STEN has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFH's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

STEN vs. BUFH - Dividend Comparison

STEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, while BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	0.29%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STEN and BUFH in my portfolio?

STEN and BUFH have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, STEN or BUFH?

On fees, STEN is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STEN or BUFH?

STEN is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STEN or BUFH?

STEN has the higher dividend yield at 0.29%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between STEN and BUFH?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for STEN and 0.95% for BUFH.