BINV vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BINV (Brandes International ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BINV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Brandes, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BINV returned 22.43% vs 12.80% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BINV charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

BINV vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brandes International ETF (BINV) 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, BINV achieves a 5.45% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.92% return.

BINV

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 5.45%
• 6M: 7.37%
• 1Y: 22.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

BINV vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BINV Brandes International ETF	5.45%	37.84%	-2.73%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between BINV and BUFI is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.84

The correlation between BINV and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BINV vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BINV

BINV Risk / Return Rank: 44
BINV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
BINV Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
BINV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BINV Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
BINV Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

BINV vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes International ETF (BINV) 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.

	BINV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.53	+0.10
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	2.25	+0.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.30	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	2.26	-0.30
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	8.98	-2.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BINV vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BINV Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BINV 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

	BINV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	1.53	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.62	1.50	+0.13

Drawdowns

BINV vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BINV drawdown since its inception was -14.91%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BINV and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BINV	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.91%	-7.43%	-7.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.50%	-5.69%	-5.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.31%	-0.32%	-4.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.44%	-0.86%	-1.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.31%	1.43%	+1.88%

Volatility

BINV vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Brandes International ETF (BINV) has a higher volatility of 4.15% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.20%. This indicates that BINV'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

	BINV	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	2.20%	+1.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.97%	7.05%	+3.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.89%	8.43%	+5.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.77%	9.15%	+5.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.77%	9.15%	+5.62%

BINV vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BINV has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

BINV vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

BINV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.08%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BINV Brandes International ETF	2.08%	2.23%	2.40%	0.28%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BINV and BUFI in my portfolio?

BINV and BUFI have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BINV or BUFI?

BINV has higher volatility (4.15%) compared to BUFI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BINV dropped -14.91% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, BINV or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, BINV leads with 22.43% vs 12.80% for BUFI. On fees, BUFI is cheaper at 0.69% 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, BINV or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, BINV has performed better with a 22.43% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BINV or BUFI?

BUFI is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for BINV.

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

BINV has the higher dividend yield at 2.08%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between BINV and BUFI?

BINV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Brandes and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for BINV and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BINV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 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.