AVDE vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVDE (Avantis International Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVDE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex-USA IMI Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. AVDE is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, AVDE returned 27.80% vs 12.80% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVDE charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

AVDE vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVDE achieves a 10.55% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.92% return.

AVDE

• 1D: -0.87%
• 1M: 3.07%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 6M: 13.51%
• 1Y: 27.80%
• 3Y*: 20.15%
• 5Y*: 9.92%
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 6M: 6.32%
• 1Y: 12.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVDE vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AVDE Avantis International Equity ETF	10.55%	38.05%	-3.28%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDE and BUFI 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.94

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

Return for Risk

AVDE vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVDE

AVDE Risk / Return Rank: 54
AVDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
AVDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
AVDE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
AVDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
AVDE Martin Ratio Rank: 55

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 47
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 47
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

AVDE vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI). 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.

	AVDE	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.53	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.25	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.30	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	2.26	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.60	8.98	+0.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVDE vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDE and BUFI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AVDE	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93	1.53	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	1.50	-0.85

Drawdowns

AVDE vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDE drawdown since its inception was -36.99%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDE and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDE	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.99%	-7.43%	-29.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-5.69%	-5.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-0.32%	-1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.17%	-0.86%	-5.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	1.43%	+1.47%

Volatility

AVDE vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) has a higher volatility of 4.70% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.20%. This indicates that AVDE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDE	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	2.20%	+2.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.11%	7.05%	+5.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.48%	8.43%	+6.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.29%	9.15%	+7.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.90%	9.15%	+9.75%

AVDE vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDE has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDE vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

AVDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AVDE Avantis International Equity ETF	2.52%	2.66%	3.29%	3.01%	2.79%	2.46%	1.63%	0.29%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDE and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, AVDE and BUFI 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, AVDE or BUFI?

AVDE has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to BUFI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDE dropped -36.99% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, AVDE or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, AVDE leads with 27.80% vs 12.80% for BUFI. On fees, AVDE is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDE or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, AVDE has performed better with a 27.80% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDE or BUFI?

AVDE is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVDE or BUFI?

AVDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.52%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between AVDE and BUFI?

AVDE is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: American Century and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for AVDE and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.53), 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.