VIXM vs. BUFR

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VIXM (ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF) and BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VIXM is a Volatility fund tracking the S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures Index, while BUFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust. VIXM is passively managed, while BUFR is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VIXM returned -14.31%/yr vs 9.83%/yr for BUFR. At a correlation of -0.70, they often move in opposite directions. VIXM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFR.

Performance

VIXM vs. BUFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIXM achieves a -6.22% return, which is significantly lower than BUFR's 7.27% return.

VIXM

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -6.04%
• 6M: -4.34%
• YTD: -6.22%
• 1Y: -14.41%
• 3Y*: -10.10%
• 5Y*: -14.31%
• 10Y*: -11.68%

BUFR

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 1.27%
• 6M: 6.37%
• YTD: 7.27%
• 1Y: 14.66%
• 3Y*: 13.31%
• 5Y*: 9.83%
• 10Y*: —

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

VIXM vs. BUFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VIXM ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF	-6.22%	5.60%	-13.67%	-44.83%	-0.69%	-16.70%	-4.08%
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	7.27%	12.44%	14.68%	19.63%	-7.57%	11.88%	6.60%

Correlation

The correlation between VIXM and BUFR is -0.75, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 11, 2020	-0.70

The correlation between VIXM and BUFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.75 to -0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VIXM vs. BUFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIXM

VIXM Risk / Return Rank: 3
VIXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VIXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VIXM Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VIXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VIXM Martin Ratio Rank: 1

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 87
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFR 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.

VIXM vs. BUFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM) and FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR). 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.

	VIXM	BUFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.78	2.23	-3.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.99	3.21	-4.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.44	-0.56
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.75	3.20	-3.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.55	16.87	-18.42

VIXM vs. BUFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIXM Sharpe Ratio is -0.78, which is lower than the BUFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIXM and BUFR, 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

VIXM vs. BUFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIXM drawdown since its inception was -96.23%, which is greater than BUFR's maximum drawdown of -13.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIXM and BUFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIXM	BUFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.23%	-13.73%	-82.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.16%	-4.61%	-14.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.26%	-12.81%	-24.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.40%	-13.73%	-49.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.55%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-96.07%	-0.11%	-95.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-81.60%	-2.06%	-79.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.30%	0.87%	+8.43%

Volatility

VIXM vs. BUFR - Volatility Comparison

ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM) has a higher volatility of 3.38% compared to FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) at 1.71%. This indicates that VIXM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIXM	BUFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	1.71%	+1.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.99%	5.30%	+8.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.62%	6.60%	+12.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.60%	10.48%	+20.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.63%	10.18%	+22.45%

VIXM vs. BUFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIXM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIXM vs. BUFR - Dividend Comparison

Neither VIXM nor BUFR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIXM and BUFR in my portfolio?

VIXM and BUFR have a correlation of -0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIXM or BUFR?

VIXM has higher volatility (3.38%) compared to BUFR (1.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIXM dropped -96.23% vs BUFR's -13.73%.

Which ETF is better, VIXM or BUFR?

On 5-year performance, BUFR leads with 9.83% vs -14.31% for VIXM. On fees, VIXM is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, BUFR has been the lower-risk option at 1.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIXM or BUFR?

Over the 5-year period, BUFR has performed better with a 9.83% return vs -14.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIXM or BUFR?

VIXM is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VIXM or BUFR?

VIXM and BUFR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between VIXM and BUFR?

VIXM is categorized as Volatility, while BUFR is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for VIXM and 0.95% for BUFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs -0.78), 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.