BUFQ vs IVV
FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq 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 | BUFQ | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.33% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.14% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFQ vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BUFQ returned +16.14% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, BUFQ is up 10.33% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, BUFQ compounded at +16.32% per year against +21.77% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, BUFQ has the edge at +18.14% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 11.6% for BUFQ. 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 -15.7% for BUFQ 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFQ charges 1.00% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFQ currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFQ and IVV share 0 holdings out of 509 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, BUFQ or IVV?
BUFQ has an expense ratio of 1.00% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFQ or IVV?
Over the past year BUFQ returned +16.14% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BUFQ annualized +18.14% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFQ or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.6% for BUFQ. Worst drawdown: BUFQ -15.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFQ and IVV?
BUFQ and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFQ and IVV?
BUFQ and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFQ or IVV?
BUFQ yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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