BUFY vs VTI
FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $146M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.02% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.79% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
BUFY vs VTI Performance
FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFY returned +12.79% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, BUFY is up 7.02% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFY charges 1.00% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUFY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2787 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 VTI?
BUFY has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFY or VTI?
Over the past year BUFY returned +12.79% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFY annualized +9.41% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.2% for BUFY. Worst drawdown: BUFY -8.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUFY and VTI?
BUFY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFY and VTI?
BUFY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFY or VTI?
BUFY yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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