BUFR vs VOO
FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.1B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.83% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.39% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.87% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 10, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFR vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFR returned +15.39% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFR is up 8.83% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BUFR compounded at +13.87% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +11.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFR currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFR and VOO share 0 holdings out of 517 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 VOO?
BUFR has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFR or VOO?
Over the past year BUFR returned +15.39% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BUFR annualized +11.01% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFR or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.4% for BUFR. Worst drawdown: BUFR -13.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFR and VOO?
BUFR and VOO 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 VOO?
BUFR and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFR or VOO?
BUFR yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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