BUFE vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBUFEVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.05%0.05%
AUM$4M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings48,747
YTD Return+3.85%+14.57%
1Y Return-+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)-15.1%
Max Drawdown-5.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 7, 2026Jan 26, 2011

BUFE vs VXUS Performance

FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, BUFE is up 3.85% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.6% for BUFE and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $5 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFE currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BUFE and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 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 VXUS?

BUFE has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between BUFE and VXUS?

BUFE and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BUFE or VXUS?

BUFE yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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