XMAG vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XMAG (Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XMAG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the BITA US 500 ex Magnificent 7 Index, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XMAG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

XMAG vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) 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, XMAG achieves a 12.73% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.10% return.

XMAG

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 6.69%
• YTD: 12.73%
• 6M: 13.28%
• 1Y: 24.62%
• 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)

XMAG vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XMAG Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF	12.73%	9.12%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between XMAG and BUFX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.79

Return for Risk

XMAG vs. BUFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

XMAG

XMAG Risk / Return Rank: 68
XMAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
XMAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
XMAG Omega Ratio Rank: 63
XMAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
XMAG Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

XMAG vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) 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.

	XMAG	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.23	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.21	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.39	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.15	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XMAG	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.23	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.11	2.68	-1.57

Drawdowns

XMAG vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XMAG drawdown since its inception was -16.17%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XMAG and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XMAG	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.17%	-2.87%	-13.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.07%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.13%	-0.24%	-1.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XMAG	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.65%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.10%	3.98%	+7.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.12%	3.98%	+11.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.12%	3.98%	+11.14%

XMAG vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XMAG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

XMAG vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

XMAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, while BUFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XMAG Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF	0.46%	0.51%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XMAG and BUFX in my portfolio?

XMAG and BUFX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XMAG or BUFX?

On fees, XMAG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XMAG or BUFX?

XMAG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

XMAG has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.00% for BUFX.

What is the main difference between XMAG and BUFX?

XMAG is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XMAG and 0.96% for BUFX.