STOX vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

STOX (Horizon Core Equity ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STOX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Horizon, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STOX charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

STOX vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) 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, STOX achieves a 10.00% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.10% return.

STOX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 10.00%
• 6M: 10.04%
• 1Y: —
• 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)

STOX vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	10.00%	12.56%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.17%

Correlation

The correlation between STOX and BUFX is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

STOX vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	STOX	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	2.68	-0.60

Drawdowns

STOX vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STOX drawdown since its inception was -9.33%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STOX and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	STOX	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.33%	-2.87%	-6.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.07%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-0.24%	-0.92%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STOX	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.39%	3.98%	+8.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.39%	3.98%	+8.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.39%	3.98%	+8.41%

STOX vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STOX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

STOX vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

STOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
STOX Horizon Core Equity ETF	0.17%	0.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STOX and BUFX in my portfolio?

STOX and BUFX have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, STOX or BUFX?

On fees, STOX is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STOX or BUFX?

STOX is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

STOX has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between STOX and BUFX?

STOX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Horizon and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for STOX and 0.96% for BUFX.