BFEB vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBFEBVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.03%
AUM$254M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings63,543
YTD Return+10.61%+14.20%
1Y Return+18.61%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.08%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.74%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)11.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-26.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 3, 2020May 24, 2001

BFEB vs VTI Performance

Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - February (BFEB) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BFEB returned +18.61% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BFEB is up 10.61% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, BFEB compounded at +16.08% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.74% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BFEB has the edge at +12.74% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.2% for BFEB. 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 -26.4% for BFEB and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BFEB charges 0.79% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFEB currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BFEB or VTI?

BFEB has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BFEB or VTI?

Over the past year BFEB returned +18.61% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BFEB annualized +12.74% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BFEB or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.2% for BFEB. Worst drawdown: BFEB -26.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both BFEB and VTI?

BFEB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, BFEB or VTI?

BFEB yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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