BUFX vs IVV
FT Vest Laddered Enhance & 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 | BUFX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +5.70% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.99% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFX vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) 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 BUFX returned +9.99% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, BUFX is up 5.70% 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 3.4% for BUFX. 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 -2.9% for BUFX 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFX charges 0.96% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $3 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFX currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFX and IVV share 0 holdings out of 517 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, BUFX or IVV?
BUFX has an expense ratio of 0.96% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFX or IVV?
Over the past year BUFX returned +9.99% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BUFX annualized +10.46% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFX or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.4% for BUFX. Worst drawdown: BUFX -2.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFX and IVV?
BUFX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 BUFX and IVV?
BUFX and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFX or IVV?
BUFX yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV 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.