BUFB vs IVV
BUFB vs IVV
Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFB | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $320M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +9.90% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.89% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.09% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFB vs IVV Performance
Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BUFB returned +16.89% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, BUFB is up 9.90% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, BUFB compounded at +15.09% per year against +21.49% for IVV. Across the full 5-year window we track, BUFB has the edge at +11.02% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.8% for BUFB. 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 -14.9% for BUFB and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFB charges 0.89% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFB currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFB and IVV share 0 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFB or IVV?
BUFB has an expense ratio of 0.89% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFB or IVV?
Over the past year BUFB returned +16.89% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BUFB annualized +11.02% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFB or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.8% for BUFB. Worst drawdown: BUFB -14.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFB and IVV?
BUFB and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFB and IVV?
BUFB and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFB or IVV?
BUFB yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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