BUFQ vs VTI
FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer 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 | BUFQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.33% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.14% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
BUFQ vs VTI Performance
FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFQ returned +16.14% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, BUFQ is up 10.33% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, BUFQ compounded at +16.32% per year against +21.43% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, BUFQ has the edge at +18.14% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFQ charges 1.00% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUFQ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2787 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 VTI?
BUFQ has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFQ or VTI?
Over the past year BUFQ returned +16.14% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BUFQ annualized +18.14% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFQ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.6% for BUFQ. Worst drawdown: BUFQ -15.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUFQ and VTI?
BUFQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFQ and VTI?
BUFQ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFQ or VTI?
BUFQ yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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