BUFX vs VYM
BUFX vs VYM
FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.70% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.99% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BUFX vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFX returned +9.99% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BUFX is up 5.70% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFX charges 0.96% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $4 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFX currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BUFX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 570 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 VYM?
BUFX has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFX or VYM?
Over the past year BUFX returned +9.99% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BUFX annualized +10.46% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.4% for BUFX. Worst drawdown: BUFX -2.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BUFX and VYM?
BUFX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFX and VYM?
BUFX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 570 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFX or VYM?
BUFX yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM 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.