BUFS vs VXUS
BUFS vs VXUS
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $180M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.45% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.29% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BUFS vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFS returned +19.29% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BUFS is up 10.45% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFS charges 1.01% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $5 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFS currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BUFS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 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 VXUS?
BUFS has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFS or VXUS?
Over the past year BUFS returned +19.29% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFS annualized +11.55% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.2% for BUFS. Worst drawdown: BUFS -15.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BUFS and VXUS?
BUFS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFS and VXUS?
BUFS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFS or VXUS?
BUFS yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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