- As of Nov 4, 2026, the median buffer ETF with a stated cap can gain up to 13.8% over its outcome period, across 401 funds.
In plain words
A buffer ETF uses options to absorb the first part of an index fall over a set period. In return it limits its gain: that limit is the cap, and past it the fund stops rising.
The median cap across 401 funds is 13.8% for the outcome period. It is set when the period starts and moves with the fund’s price after that, so ETFIQ shows the cap left, net of fees, as of today. Of the funds, 294 are standard buffers, 89 floor, 32 dual and 16 accelerated. Deeper protection or a higher multiple means a lower cap.
Questions
- Is the cap per year?
It is for the fund’s outcome period, which is usually one year but can be one quarter.
- Does the cap change?
The stated cap is set at the start of the period. The cap left depends on today’s price.
- Where do I see a fund’s cap?
On its page, with the issuer’s terms and a band drawing.