BUFT vs VOO
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive 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 | BUFT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.21% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $156M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.50% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.10% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.45% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFT vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT) 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 BUFT returned +10.10% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFT is up 6.50% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BUFT compounded at +9.45% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +5.83%. 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 5.6% for BUFT. 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 -10.4% for BUFT 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFT charges 1.21% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $121 vs $3 annually, a gap of $118 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFT currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFT and VOO share 0 holdings out of 512 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, BUFT or VOO?
BUFT has an expense ratio of 1.21% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $118 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFT or VOO?
Over the past year BUFT returned +10.10% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BUFT annualized +5.83% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.6% for BUFT. Worst drawdown: BUFT -10.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFT and VOO?
BUFT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 BUFT and VOO?
BUFT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFT or VOO?
BUFT yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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