AVIV vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVIV (Avantis International Large Cap Value ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVIV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AVIV returned 31.22% vs 13.19% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVIV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

AVIV vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Large Cap Value ETF (AVIV) 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, AVIV achieves a 10.16% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 5.09% return.

AVIV

• 1D: -1.67%
• 1M: -0.96%
• YTD: 10.16%
• 6M: 9.57%
• 1Y: 31.22%
• 3Y*: 21.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 5.09%
• 6M: 5.03%
• 1Y: 13.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVIV vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AVIV Avantis International Large Cap Value ETF	10.16%	41.80%	-3.69%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between AVIV and BUFI is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.91

The correlation between AVIV and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVIV vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVIV

AVIV Risk / Return Rank: 66
AVIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
AVIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
AVIV Omega Ratio Rank: 69
AVIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
AVIV Martin Ratio Rank: 65

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 51
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

AVIV vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Large Cap Value ETF (AVIV) 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.

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.

	AVIV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.54	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.26	+0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.30	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	2.33	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.34	9.26	+2.08

AVIV vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is higher than the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVIV 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.

Drawdowns

AVIV vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVIV drawdown since its inception was -27.69%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVIV and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVIV	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.69%	-7.43%	-20.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.78%	-5.69%	-5.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.13%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.59%	-0.95%	-1.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.08%	-0.84%	-4.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	1.43%	+1.33%

Volatility

AVIV vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Avantis International Large Cap Value ETF (AVIV) has a higher volatility of 5.00% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.37%. This indicates that AVIV'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

	AVIV	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.00%	2.37%	+2.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.47%	7.33%	+5.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.67%	8.62%	+6.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	9.16%	+7.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.91%	9.16%	+7.75%

AVIV vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVIV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVIV vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

AVIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVIV Avantis International Large Cap Value ETF	4.01%	3.01%	3.46%	3.64%	2.84%	0.57%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVIV and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, AVIV 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, AVIV or BUFI?

AVIV has higher volatility (5.00%) compared to BUFI (2.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVIV dropped -27.69% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, AVIV or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, AVIV leads with 31.22% vs 13.19% for BUFI. On fees, AVIV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVIV or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, AVIV has performed better with a 31.22% return vs 13.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVIV or BUFI?

AVIV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

AVIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.01%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between AVIV and BUFI?

AVIV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for AVIV and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.54), 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.