BUFS vs VOO
BUFS vs VOO
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate 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 | BUFS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $180M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.45% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.29% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFS vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) 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 BUFS returned +19.29% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFS is up 10.45% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFS charges 1.01% per year while VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFS and VOO 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 VOO?
BUFS has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFS or VOO?
Over the past year BUFS returned +19.29% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFS annualized +11.55% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.2% for BUFS. Worst drawdown: BUFS -15.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFS and VOO?
BUFS and VOO 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 VOO?
BUFS and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFS or VOO?
BUFS yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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