BUFI vs. BKIE

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) and BKIE (BNY Mellon International Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while BKIE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Developed Markets ex-US Large Cap Index. BUFI is actively managed, while BKIE is passively managed. Over the past year, BUFI returned 13.34% vs 22.88% for BKIE. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFI charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for BKIE.

Performance

BUFI vs. BKIE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFI achieves a 5.59% return, which is significantly lower than BKIE's 8.73% return.

BUFI

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 5.59%
• 6M: 5.45%
• 1Y: 13.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BKIE

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -0.39%
• YTD: 8.73%
• 6M: 8.35%
• 1Y: 22.88%
• 3Y*: 17.43%
• 5Y*: 9.23%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFI vs. BKIE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.59%	16.50%	-1.18%
BKIE BNY Mellon International Equity ETF	8.73%	32.08%	-4.19%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFI and BKIE is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.94

The correlation between BUFI and BKIE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFI vs. BKIE — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 55
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 55
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 60

BKIE

BKIE Risk / Return Rank: 49
BKIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
BKIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
BKIE Omega Ratio Rank: 49
BKIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
BKIE Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

BUFI vs. BKIE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	BUFI	BKIE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.52	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.17	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.27	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	2.01	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.35	7.75	+1.61

BUFI vs. BKIE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is comparable to the BKIE Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFI and BKIE, 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

BUFI vs. BKIE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFI drawdown since its inception was -7.43%, smaller than the maximum BKIE drawdown of -28.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFI and BKIE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFI	BKIE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-28.19%	+20.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-11.41%	+5.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.19%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.19%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-1.38%	+0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-4.94%	+4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	2.96%	-1.53%

Volatility

BUFI vs. BKIE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) is 2.41%, while BNY Mellon International Equity ETF (BKIE) has a volatility of 4.94%. This indicates that BUFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BKIE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFI	BKIE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.41%	4.94%	-2.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.35%	12.85%	-5.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.62%	15.11%	-6.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.15%	16.21%	-7.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.15%	16.36%	-7.21%

BUFI vs. BKIE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFI has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than BKIE's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFI vs. BKIE - Dividend Comparison

BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BKIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.26%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKIE BNY Mellon International Equity ETF	3.26%	3.12%	3.31%	2.88%	2.97%	2.58%	1.49%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFI and BKIE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, BUFI and BKIE 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, BUFI or BKIE?

BKIE has higher volatility (4.94%) compared to BUFI (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFI dropped -7.43% vs BKIE's -28.19%.

Which ETF is better, BUFI or BKIE?

On 1-year performance, BKIE leads with 22.88% vs 13.34% for BUFI. On fees, BKIE is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFI or BKIE?

Over the 1-year period, BKIE has performed better with a 22.88% return vs 13.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFI or BKIE?

BKIE is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

BKIE has the higher dividend yield at 3.26%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between BUFI and BKIE?

BUFI is categorized as Defined Outcome, while BKIE is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and BNY Mellon. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFI and 0.04% for BKIE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.52), 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.