BUFM vs IVV
AB Moderate 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 | BUFM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $450M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +5.43% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.02% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFM vs IVV Performance
AB Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFM) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BUFM returned +11.02% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, BUFM is up 5.43% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.4% for BUFM. 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 -9.4% for BUFM 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFM charges 0.69% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFM currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFM and IVV share 0 holdings out of 506 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, BUFM or IVV?
BUFM has an expense ratio of 0.69% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFM or IVV?
Over the past year BUFM returned +11.02% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFM annualized +10.46% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFM or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.4% for BUFM. Worst drawdown: BUFM -9.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFM and IVV?
BUFM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 BUFM and IVV?
BUFM and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFM or IVV?
BUFM yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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