BUFE vs SPY
FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.12% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2026 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BUFE vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, BUFE is up 6.12% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.6% for BUFE and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFE charges 1.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $9 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFE currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BUFE and SPY share 0 holdings out of 508 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, BUFE or SPY?
BUFE has an expense ratio of 1.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFE and SPY?
BUFE and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFE or SPY?
BUFE yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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