BUFT vs FMAR
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, BUFT or FMAR?
FMAR has been ahead.
FMAR has a lower expense ratio. FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFT | FMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.21% | 0.85%Best |
| AUM | $163M | $1.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 16 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +7.51% | +13.39%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.79% | +16.31%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +14.66%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.81% | +10.74%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5%Best | 9.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4%Best | -14.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,263 | $16,654Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 27, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5 years).
BUFT vs FMAR growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5 years both funds cover.
BUFT vs FMAR Performance
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year BUFT returned +9.79% while FMAR returned +16.31%. Year to date, BUFT is up 7.51% versus a gain of 13.39% for FMAR.
Over three years, BUFT compounded at +9.83% per year against +14.66% for FMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +5.81% and +10.74% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.2% compared with 5.5% for BUFT. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.4% for BUFT and -14.4% for FMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFT charges 1.21% per year while FMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $121 vs $85 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFT currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BUFT and FMAR you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFT or FMAR?
BUFT has an expense ratio of 1.21% while FMAR charges 0.85%. FMAR is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BUFT or FMAR?
Over the past year BUFT returned +9.79% vs +16.31% for FMAR, so FMAR leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BUFT or FMAR?
FMAR has been the more volatile fund at 9.2% annualized versus 5.5% for BUFT. Worst drawdown: BUFT -10.4% vs FMAR -14.4%.
Should I hold both BUFT and FMAR?
BUFT and FMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFT or FMAR?
BUFT yields 0.00% while FMAR yields 0.00%, so FMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FMAR better than BUFT?
FMAR has a lower expense ratio. FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.