BUFB vs VTI
Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $320M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.90% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.89% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.09% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
BUFB vs VTI Performance
Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFB returned +16.89% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BUFB is up 9.90% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, BUFB compounded at +15.09% per year against +21.12% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, BUFB has the edge at +11.02% 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 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 -56.6% 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 0.98. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUFB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2795 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 VTI?
BUFB has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFB or VTI?
Over the past year BUFB returned +16.89% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BUFB annualized +11.02% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for BUFB. Worst drawdown: BUFB -14.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUFB and VTI?
BUFB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 VTI?
BUFB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFB or VTI?
BUFB yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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