BUFE ETF — FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF

FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE)

Updated October 16, 2026.

BUFE is an ETF. its expense ratio is 1.05%. Total return is 2.4% over the past 0.5 years, 11.1 points behind SPY at 13.5%.

This ETF invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities issued by emerging market companies, using a laddered buffer strategy designed to provide downside protection. The fund does not currently distribute income to shareholders, and carries an expense ratio of 1.05%. It may appeal to investors seeking emerging markets exposure with built-in cushioning against losses, rather than those prioritizing current income.

BUFE performance versus SPY

Price and return data through 2026-10-16.

Total return is 2.4% over the past 0.5 years, 11.1 points behind SPY at 13.5%.

BUFE key facts

Issuer

First Trust

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

04/06/2026

Expense ratio

1.05%

Distribution frequency

None

Last close

$21.10 (as of 2026-10-16)

AUM

$7,671,231

Average volume

1012.0

Beta

0.7175

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (the posted rate) uses calculation basis unavailable. Issuer rates can use a different denominator and date, including ex-date NAV. Trailing-12-month yield is the sum of split-adjusted cash distributions with ex-dates in the last 12 months, divided by the published price. It lags a recent raise or cut. Total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date) from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is the security's total return, not your personal gain/loss.

Yield and safety methodology · Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology

Sources and review

Primary sources: First Trust or company page; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

BUFE risks and drawbacks

Total return has trailed SPY over the available window.

Who may consider BUFE — and who may not

It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (BUFE does not currently distribute); investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

More on BUFE

• All tickers starting with B

Tagged: Downside Protection, Options, Target, Emerging Markets, International.

Frequently asked questions

More securities from First Trust.