BUFY vs IVV
FT Vest Laddered International 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 | BUFY | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $146M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +7.18% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.00% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2024 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFY vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFY) 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 BUFY returned +13.00% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, BUFY is up 7.18% 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 6.2% for BUFY. 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 -8.0% for BUFY 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFY charges 1.00% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFY currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFY and IVV share 0 holdings out of 509 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, BUFY or IVV?
BUFY has an expense ratio of 1.00% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFY or IVV?
Over the past year BUFY returned +13.00% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFY annualized +9.54% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFY or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.2% for BUFY. Worst drawdown: BUFY -8.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFY and IVV?
BUFY and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFY and IVV?
BUFY and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFY or IVV?
BUFY yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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