BUFD vs VOO
BUFD vs VOO
FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.91% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.25% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.71% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.78% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFD vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFD returned +12.25% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFD is up 6.91% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BUFD compounded at +11.71% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.78% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +7.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.5% for BUFD. 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 -10.8% for BUFD and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFD charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFD currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFD and VOO 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, BUFD or VOO?
BUFD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFD or VOO?
Over the past year BUFD returned +12.25% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BUFD annualized +7.64% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFD or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.5% for BUFD. Worst drawdown: BUFD -10.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFD and VOO?
BUFD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 BUFD and VOO?
BUFD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFD or VOO?
BUFD yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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