BUFD vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFD (FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFD is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by FT Vest, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. BUFD is actively managed, while VOO is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUFD returned 7.32%/yr vs 13.13%/yr for VOO. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFD charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

BUFD vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFD achieves a 4.55% return, which is significantly lower than VOO's 8.19% return.

BUFD

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -0.08%
• YTD: 4.55%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: 13.12%
• 3Y*: 11.59%
• 5Y*: 7.32%
• 10Y*: —

VOO

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -1.34%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 7.24%
• 1Y: 23.69%
• 3Y*: 20.78%
• 5Y*: 13.13%
• 10Y*: 15.61%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BUFD vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BUFD FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF	4.55%	10.66%	12.42%	15.40%	-7.70%	5.86%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	8.19%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	25.46%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFD and VOO is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 21, 2021	0.89

The correlation between BUFD and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFD vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BUFD

BUFD Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
BUFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFD Omega Ratio Rank: 88
BUFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFD Martin Ratio Rank: 91

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 59
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BUFD vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BUFD	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	1.91	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.81	2.60	+1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.35	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.84	2.67	+1.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.61	11.96	+8.65

BUFD vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFD Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is higher than the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFD and VOO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BUFD vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFD drawdown since its inception was -10.75%, smaller than the maximum VOO drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFD and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFD	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.75%	-33.99%	+23.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.43%	-8.90%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.15%	-18.69%	+8.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.75%	-24.52%	+13.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.99%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-3.14%	+2.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.95%	-3.68%	+1.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.64%	1.99%	-1.35%

Volatility

BUFD vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD) is 1.67%, while Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) has a volatility of 4.83%. This indicates that BUFD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VOO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFD	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.67%	4.83%	-3.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.18%	9.82%	-5.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.29%	12.46%	-7.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.75%	16.91%	-9.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.54%	18.02%	-10.48%

BUFD vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFD has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFD vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

BUFD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUFD FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.05%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFD and VOO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, BUFD and VOO move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BUFD or VOO?

VOO has higher volatility (4.83%) compared to BUFD (1.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFD dropped -10.75% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, BUFD or VOO?

On 5-year performance, VOO leads with 13.13% vs 7.32% for BUFD. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, BUFD has been the lower-risk option at 1.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFD or VOO?

Over the 5-year period, VOO has performed better with a 13.13% return vs 7.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFD or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFD or VOO?

VOO has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.00% for BUFD.

What is the main difference between BUFD and VOO?

BUFD is categorized as Defined Outcome, while VOO is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFD and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 1.91), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.