BUFQ vs VXUS
BUFQ vs VXUS
FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.39% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.57% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.16% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BUFQ vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFQ returned +16.57% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BUFQ is up 10.39% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BUFQ compounded at +16.16% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, BUFQ has the edge at +18.20% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFQ charges 1.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $5 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFQ currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BUFQ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 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 VXUS?
BUFQ has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFQ or VXUS?
Over the past year BUFQ returned +16.57% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BUFQ annualized +18.20% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFQ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.6% for BUFQ. Worst drawdown: BUFQ -15.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BUFQ and VXUS?
BUFQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFQ and VXUS?
BUFQ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFQ or VXUS?
BUFQ yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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