- As of Nov 4, 2026, the median buffer ETF charges 0.79% a year, against 0.55% for all ETFs, across 431 single-period funds.
In plain words
A buffer ETF uses options to cushion the first part of an index fall over a set period, in exchange for a cap on the gain. The options cost money, and a yearly fee comes on top.
The median fee across 431 single-period funds is 0.79%, against 0.45% for stock ETFs. The larger cost in a strong year is the cap: past it the fund stops gaining. ETFIQ shows each fund’s fee, remaining cap and buffer left today.
Questions
- Does the fee include the cost of the options?
The fee covers running the fund. The options cost shows up as the cap on the gain.
- Where do I see a buffer ETF’s cap?
On each fund page, with the issuer’s published terms and the date.
- How many buffer ETFs are there?
ETFIQ covers 524 buffer ETFs as of Nov 4, 2026; 431 are single-period funds with current terms.