BUFZ vs VTI
FT Vest Laddered 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 | BUFZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.97% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.99% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
BUFZ vs VTI Performance
FT Vest Laddered Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFZ) 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 BUFZ returned +11.99% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, BUFZ is up 6.97% 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 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 -56.6% 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 0.94. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUFZ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2795 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 VTI?
BUFZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFZ or VTI?
Over the past year BUFZ returned +11.99% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUFZ annualized +14.00% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFZ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.5% for BUFZ. Worst drawdown: BUFZ -10.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUFZ and VTI?
BUFZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VTI?
BUFZ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFZ or VTI?
BUFZ yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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