BUFY vs SPY
FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $146M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.02% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.79% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BUFY vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BUFY returned +12.79% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, BUFY is up 7.02% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 SPY. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFY charges 1.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $9 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFY currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BUFY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 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 SPY?
BUFY has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFY or SPY?
Over the past year BUFY returned +12.79% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFY annualized +9.41% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.2% for BUFY. Worst drawdown: BUFY -8.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFY and SPY?
BUFY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFY and SPY?
BUFY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFY or SPY?
BUFY yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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