Why Buffered ETFs Require Ongoing Analysis and Monitoring Even “identical” buffered ETFs can deliver dramatically different results due to nothing more than the luck of their reset dates. FJUL and FAUG are two adjacent monthly slices within the popular First Trust BUFR laddered ETF. Both offer the same 10% buffer width, the same cap methodology,…
Market Review Large Capitalization US equities, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, were down during the quarter due to: 1) the “weight” of high stock valuations, 2) uncertainty related to inflation and oil prices, and 3) the US conflict with Iran, among other things. Other broad-based Large Cap US equity indices were also down.…
Watch this video for a brief introduction of our new ETF fund, BFLB!
Seek First to Understand – The Pleasure of Finding Things out While growing up in the investments industry at Russell Investments, I was privileged to participate in an excellence-driven and strong research culture. George Russell, the visionary who built a transformational company, often quoted various business thinkers to inspire the hundreds of Russell associates to…
Sometimes taking a very long-term view, describing the core “nature” or “essence” of the market’s behavior, can help put more recent experiences in context. That is precisely the point of this inaugural “Investment Perspectives” piece from Ogard Capital Markets Research, LLC. Below is a daily logarithmic return chart for the S&P 500 Index starting in…
Big news: BufferLABS has its first client—wealth management star Jeff Hussey! As markets teeter, we’re rolling out tools to enhance buffered ETF portfolios at Bufferlabsetfs.com. Jeff’s in, and you can be too! Meet Jeff HusseyJeff’s a serious investor: former Global Chief Investment Officer at Russell Investments, steering hundreds of billions through rough seas. Now, he…
On April 14, 2025, AQR Capital Management’s Daniel Villalon appeared on Bloomberg TV and labeled buffered ETFs, such as the FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF), as an “investment failure.” Watch it here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-04-14/buffer-etfs-an-investment-failure-aqr-video AQR’s critique claims these options-powered funds underperform simpler alternatives, fail to mitigate drawdowns…
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming webinar, Introduction to BufferLABS – Mastering Buffered ETFs with the ADOPT Model, happening on May 7 at 2:00 PM EDT. In partnership with BlueVault Research, who is proudly sponsoring the event, we’ll unpack the BufferLABS research platform and showcase our innovative ADOPT model. Led by Erik Ogard, CFA, Co-Founder…
The exchange-traded fund (ETF) landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with one of the most exciting innovations being the rise of buffered ETFs—also known as defined outcome ETFs. These funds, which use options strategies to provide downside protection while capping upside potential, have surged in popularity, growing from a niche concept in 2018…
Markets are stumbling through a correction—and it might get uglier. BufferLabs’ research subscriptions launch Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Bufferlabsetfs.com, arming you with tools to conquer buffered ETF portfolios. First 100 subscribers snag 50% off their first year—and advisors, you can claim a free 1:1 holdings review now, before you sign up. Let’s tame the…
