BUFS vs IVV
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate 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 | BUFS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $180M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.45% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.29% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2024 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFS vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) 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 BUFS returned +19.29% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, BUFS is up 10.45% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.2% for BUFS. 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 -15.0% for BUFS 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFS charges 1.01% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $3 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFS currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFS 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, BUFS or IVV?
BUFS has an expense ratio of 1.01% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFS or IVV?
Over the past year BUFS returned +19.29% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFS annualized +11.55% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFS or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.2% for BUFS. Worst drawdown: BUFS -15.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFS and IVV?
BUFS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFS and IVV?
BUFS and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFS or IVV?
BUFS yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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