BUFF vs IVV
BUFF vs IVV
Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $924M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +7.16% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.59% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.87% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.86% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2016 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFF vs IVV Performance
Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BUFF returned +12.59% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, BUFF is up 7.16% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, BUFF compounded at +11.87% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.86% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, BUFF has the edge at +7.96% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.4% for BUFF. 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 -46.2% for BUFF and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFF charges 0.89% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFF currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFF and IVV 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, BUFF or IVV?
BUFF has an expense ratio of 0.89% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFF or IVV?
Over the past year BUFF returned +12.59% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), BUFF annualized +7.96% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFF or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.4% for BUFF. Worst drawdown: BUFF -46.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFF and IVV?
BUFF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFF and IVV?
BUFF and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFF or IVV?
BUFF yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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