BUYW vs VTI
Main BuyWrite ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUYW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.92% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.59% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.03% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.65% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
BUYW vs VTI Performance
Main BuyWrite ETF (BUYW) is a ETF from Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUYW returned +5.03% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, BUYW is up 2.59% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, BUYW compounded at +7.65% per year against +21.43% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, BUYW has the edge at +8.80% annualized vs +8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.6% for BUYW. 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 -9.4% for BUYW 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUYW charges 0.99% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $3 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUYW currently yields 5.92% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUYW and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2796 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, BUYW or VTI?
BUYW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUYW or VTI?
Over the past year BUYW returned +5.03% vs +20.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BUYW annualized +8.80% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUYW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.6% for BUYW. Worst drawdown: BUYW -9.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUYW and VTI?
BUYW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUYW and VTI?
BUYW and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUYW or VTI?
BUYW yields 5.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BUYW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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