BUFG vs VOO
BUFG vs VOO
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth 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 | BUFG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $324M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.45% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.99% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFG vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFG returned +14.99% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFG is up 8.45% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BUFG compounded at +13.59% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.84%. 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 10.6% for BUFG. 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 -17.6% for BUFG 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFG charges 1.13% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $3 annually, a gap of $110 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFG currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFG and VOO share 0 holdings out of 512 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, BUFG or VOO?
BUFG has an expense ratio of 1.13% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $110 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFG or VOO?
Over the past year BUFG returned +14.99% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BUFG annualized +8.84% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFG or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.6% for BUFG. Worst drawdown: BUFG -17.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFG and VOO?
BUFG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFG and VOO?
BUFG and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFG or VOO?
BUFG yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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