BUFC vs VTI
AB Conservative Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, BUFC or VTI?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFC | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.1B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +4.54% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.89% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.01% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5%Best | 12.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3%Best | -19.3% |
| $10,000 over 2.8 years | $12,328 | $16,716Best |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 13, 2023 to Sep 18, 2026 (2.8 years).
BUFC vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.8 years both funds cover.
BUFC vs VTI Performance
AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC) is an ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFC returned +6.89% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, BUFC is up 4.54% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.1% compared with 3.5% for BUFC. 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 -8.3% for BUFC and -19.3% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFC charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFC currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BUFC and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFC or VTI?
BUFC has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $66 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BUFC or VTI?
Over the past year BUFC returned +6.89% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BUFC or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 12.1% annualized versus 3.5% for BUFC. Worst drawdown: BUFC -8.3% vs VTI -19.3%.
Should I hold both BUFC and VTI?
BUFC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFC or VTI?
BUFC yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than BUFC?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.