BUFS vs VTI
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $180M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.45% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.29% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
BUFS vs VTI Performance
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFS returned +19.29% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BUFS is up 10.45% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFS charges 1.01% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUFS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2787 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 VTI?
BUFS has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFS or VTI?
Over the past year BUFS returned +19.29% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFS annualized +11.55% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.2% for BUFS. Worst drawdown: BUFS -15.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUFS and VTI?
BUFS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFS and VTI?
BUFS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFS or VTI?
BUFS yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.