TACU vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

TACU (T. Rowe Price Active Core U.S. Equity ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TACU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by T. Rowe Price, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TACU charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

TACU vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price Active Core U.S. Equity ETF (TACU) 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, TACU achieves a 7.92% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.65% return.

TACU

• 1D: -2.43%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 7.92%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TACU vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TACU T. Rowe Price Active Core U.S. Equity ETF	7.92%	-0.66%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.65%	0.38%

Correlation

The correlation between TACU and BUFX is 0.92, 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 Dec 12, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

TACU vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price Active Core U.S. Equity ETF (TACU) 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

	TACU	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.15	2.51	-1.36

Drawdowns

TACU vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TACU drawdown since its inception was -8.91%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TACU and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TACU	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.91%	-2.87%	-6.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.68%	-0.59%	-2.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.57%	-0.24%	-1.33%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TACU	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.75%	4.02%	+9.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.75%	4.02%	+9.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.75%	4.02%	+9.73%

TACU vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TACU has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

TACU vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

Neither TACU nor BUFX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TACU and BUFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, TACU and BUFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, TACU or BUFX?

On fees, TACU is cheaper at 0.14% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, TACU or BUFX?

TACU is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

TACU and BUFX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between TACU and BUFX?

TACU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: T. Rowe Price and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for TACU and 0.96% for BUFX.