BUFH vs QQQ
FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFH | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $57M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.55% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.24% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BUFH vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BUFH returned +6.24% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, BUFH is up 3.55% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 1.8% for BUFH. 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 -1.5% for BUFH and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFH charges 0.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $18 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFH currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BUFH and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 115 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, BUFH or QQQ?
BUFH has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFH or QQQ?
Over the past year BUFH returned +6.24% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BUFH annualized +6.68% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFH or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.8% for BUFH. Worst drawdown: BUFH -1.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BUFH and QQQ?
BUFH and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFH and QQQ?
BUFH and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 115 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFH or QQQ?
BUFH yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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