BUFC vs VYM
BUFC vs VYM
AB Conservative Buffer ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.37% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.27% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BUFC vs VYM Performance
AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFC returned +8.27% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BUFC is up 4.37% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFC charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFC currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BUFC and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, BUFC or VYM?
BUFC has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFC or VYM?
Over the past year BUFC returned +8.27% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUFC annualized +8.04% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.5% for BUFC. Worst drawdown: BUFC -8.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BUFC and VYM?
BUFC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFC and VYM?
BUFC and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFC or VYM?
BUFC yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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