VUS vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VUS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

VUS vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) 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, VUS achieves a 17.75% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 3.84% return.

VUS

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 17.75%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 3.84%
• 6M: 3.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VUS vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	17.75%	0.88%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	3.84%	0.69%

Correlation

The correlation between VUS and BUFX is 0.85, 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 3, 2025	0.85

Return for Risk

VUS vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) 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.

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.

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

Drawdowns

VUS vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUS drawdown since its inception was -9.45%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUS and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUS	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.45%	-2.87%	-6.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.39%	-0.59%	-1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.50%	-0.24%	-1.26%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUS	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.16%	4.05%	+11.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.16%	4.05%	+11.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.16%	4.05%	+11.11%

VUS vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUS vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

VUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUS and BUFX in my portfolio?

VUS and BUFX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUS or BUFX?

On fees, VUS is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUS or BUFX?

VUS is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

VUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.31%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between VUS and BUFX?

VUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VUS and 0.96% for BUFX.