XCHG vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XCHG (AB US Equity ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XCHG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XCHG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

XCHG vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB US Equity ETF (XCHG) 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, XCHG achieves a 6.97% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.10% return.

XCHG

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 6.97%
• 6M: —
• 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)

XCHG vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XCHG AB US Equity ETF	6.97%	0.30%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	0.51%

Correlation

The correlation between XCHG and BUFX is 0.90, 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 16, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

XCHG vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB US Equity ETF (XCHG) 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

	XCHG	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.26	2.68	-1.42

Drawdowns

XCHG vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XCHG drawdown since its inception was -9.66%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XCHG and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XCHG	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.66%	-2.87%	-6.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-0.07%	-0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.88%	-0.24%	-1.64%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XCHG	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.12%	3.98%	+9.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.12%	3.98%	+9.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.12%	3.98%	+9.14%

XCHG vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XCHG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

XCHG vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

XCHG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
XCHG AB US Equity ETF	0.22%	0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XCHG and BUFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, XCHG 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, XCHG or BUFX?

On fees, XCHG 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, XCHG or BUFX?

XCHG is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

XCHG has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between XCHG and BUFX?

XCHG is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for XCHG and 0.96% for BUFX.