BUFZ vs VOO
FT Vest Laddered Moderate Buffer ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.04% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.51% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUFZ vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Laddered Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFZ) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFZ returned +12.51% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BUFZ is up 7.04% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUFZ and VOO 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 VOO?
BUFZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFZ or VOO?
Over the past year BUFZ returned +12.51% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUFZ annualized +14.07% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFZ or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.5% for BUFZ. Worst drawdown: BUFZ -10.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUFZ and VOO?
BUFZ and VOO 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 VOO?
BUFZ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFZ or VOO?
BUFZ yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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