BUFE vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBUFEVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.05%0.03%
AUM$4M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings43,543
YTD Return+3.85%+14.20%
1Y Return-+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-5.6%-56.6%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 7, 2026May 24, 2001

BUFE vs VTI Performance

FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, BUFE is up 3.85% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.6% for BUFE and -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $3 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFE currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BUFE and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2787 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 VTI?

BUFE has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between BUFE and VTI?

BUFE and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BUFE or VTI?

BUFE yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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