BUFH vs VOO
BUFH vs VOO
FT Vest Laddered Max 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 | BUFH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.53% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.33% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFH vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) 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 BUFH returned +6.33% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFH is up 3.53% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFH charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFH currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFH 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, BUFH or VOO?
BUFH has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFH or VOO?
Over the past year BUFH returned +6.33% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BUFH annualized +6.71% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFH or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.8% for BUFH. Worst drawdown: BUFH -1.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFH and VOO?
BUFH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 BUFH and VOO?
BUFH and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFH or VOO?
BUFH yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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