BUFP vs VTI
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $223M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.63% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.52% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
BUFP vs VTI Performance
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFP returned +14.52% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BUFP is up 8.63% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.2% for BUFP. 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 -12.0% for BUFP and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFP charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFP currently yields 0.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUFP and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2795 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, BUFP or VTI?
BUFP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFP or VTI?
Over the past year BUFP returned +14.52% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFP annualized +13.14% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFP or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.2% for BUFP. Worst drawdown: BUFP -12.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUFP and VTI?
BUFP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 BUFP and VTI?
BUFP and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFP or VTI?
BUFP yields 0.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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