BUFR vs SPY
FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $10.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.83% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.39% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.87% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 10, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BUFR vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BUFR returned +15.39% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BUFR is up 8.83% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, BUFR compounded at +13.87% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, BUFR has the edge at +11.01% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.4% for BUFR. 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 -13.7% for BUFR and -56.5% for SPY. 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
BUFR charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BUFR and SPY share 0 holdings out of 515 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, BUFR or SPY?
BUFR has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFR or SPY?
Over the past year BUFR returned +15.39% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BUFR annualized +11.01% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.4% for BUFR. Worst drawdown: BUFR -13.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFR and SPY?
BUFR and SPY 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 BUFR and SPY?
BUFR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFR or SPY?
BUFR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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