BUFZ vs IVV
FT Vest Laddered 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 | BUFZ | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.97% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.99% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2023 | May 15, 2000 |
BUFZ vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Laddered Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFZ) 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 BUFZ returned +11.99% while IVV returned +22.61%. Year to date, BUFZ is up 6.97% versus a gain of 13.43% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.5% for BUFZ. 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 -10.1% for BUFZ 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFZ charges 0.95% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFZ currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUFZ 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, BUFZ or IVV?
BUFZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFZ or IVV?
Over the past year BUFZ returned +11.99% vs +22.61% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUFZ annualized +13.98% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFZ or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.5% for BUFZ. Worst drawdown: BUFZ -10.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFZ and IVV?
BUFZ and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 BUFZ and IVV?
BUFZ and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFZ or IVV?
BUFZ yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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