BUFD vs DMAR
FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, BUFD or DMAR?
Each has led over a different period.
DMAR has a lower expense ratio. BUFD led over 3Y, DMAR over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
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 | BUFD | DMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.85%Best |
| AUM | $2.2B | $467M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 26 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +7.99% | +10.03%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.75% | +12.61%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.44%Best | +12.14% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.86% | +7.88%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 6.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -10.8% | -9.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,598 | $14,612Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.6 years).
BUFD vs DMAR 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 5.6 years both funds cover.
BUFD vs DMAR Performance
FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year BUFD returned +10.75% while DMAR returned +12.61%. Year to date, BUFD is up 7.99% versus a gain of 10.03% for DMAR.
Over three years, BUFD compounded at +12.44% per year against +12.14% for DMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +7.86% and +7.88% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DMAR has the edge at +8.05% annualized vs +7.64%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.5% compared with 6.0% for DMAR. 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 -10.8% for BUFD and -9.8% for DMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFD charges 0.95% per year while DMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $85 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFD currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for DMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BUFD and DMAR 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, BUFD or DMAR?
BUFD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while DMAR charges 0.85%. DMAR is the cheaper option, by $10 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BUFD or DMAR?
Over the past year BUFD returned +10.75% vs +12.61% for DMAR, so DMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BUFD annualized +7.64% vs +8.05% for DMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BUFD or DMAR?
BUFD has been the more volatile fund at 6.5% annualized versus 6.0% for DMAR. Worst drawdown: BUFD -10.8% vs DMAR -9.8%.
Should I hold both BUFD and DMAR?
BUFD and DMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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, BUFD or DMAR?
BUFD yields 0.00% while DMAR yields 0.00%, so DMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is DMAR better than BUFD?
DMAR has a lower expense ratio. BUFD led over 3Y, DMAR over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.