BUFF vs VOO
BUFF vs VOO
Innovator Laddered Allocation Power 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 | BUFF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $924M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.16% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.59% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.87% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.86% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFF vs VOO Performance
Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFF returned +12.59% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFF is up 7.16% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BUFF compounded at +11.87% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.86% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +7.96%. 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 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 -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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFF charges 0.89% per year while VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFF 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, BUFF or VOO?
BUFF has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFF or VOO?
Over the past year BUFF returned +12.59% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), BUFF annualized +7.96% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFF or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.4% for BUFF. Worst drawdown: BUFF -46.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFF and VOO?
BUFF and VOO 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 VOO?
BUFF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFF or VOO?
BUFF yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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