BUFI vs. BUFC

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) and BUFC (AB Conservative Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while BUFC is a Options Trading fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BUFI returned 12.79% vs 8.73% for BUFC. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.69% expense ratio.

Performance

BUFI vs. BUFC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFI achieves a 5.25% return, which is significantly higher than BUFC's 2.82% return.

BUFI

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 5.25%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: 12.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFC

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 2.82%
• 6M: 3.33%
• 1Y: 8.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFI vs. BUFC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.25%	16.50%	-1.31%
BUFC AB Conservative Buffer ETF	2.82%	5.50%	-0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFI and BUFC is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.62

The correlation between BUFI and BUFC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFI vs. BUFC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 46
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 53

BUFC

BUFC Risk / Return Rank: 58
BUFC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
BUFC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
BUFC Omega Ratio Rank: 64
BUFC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
BUFC Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. BUFC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	BUFI	BUFC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	2.06	-0.54
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	2.92	-0.68
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.40	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.46	-0.13
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.31	10.54	-1.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUFI vs. BUFC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the BUFC Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFI and BUFC, 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

	BUFI	BUFC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.53	2.06	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.53	1.42	+0.10

Drawdowns

BUFI vs. BUFC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFI drawdown since its inception was -7.43%, smaller than the maximum BUFC drawdown of -8.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFI and BUFC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFI	BUFC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-8.29%	+0.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-3.62%	-2.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.01%	-0.14%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-0.76%	-0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	0.85%	+0.58%

Volatility

BUFI vs. BUFC - Volatility Comparison

AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) has a higher volatility of 2.29% compared to AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC) at 1.04%. This indicates that BUFI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFI	BUFC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.29%	1.04%	+1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.04%	3.36%	+3.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.43%	4.25%	+4.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.16%	5.64%	+3.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.16%	5.64%	+3.52%

BUFI vs. BUFC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BUFI and BUFC have an expense ratio of 0.69%.

Dividends

BUFI vs. BUFC - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFI nor BUFC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFI and BUFC in my portfolio?

BUFI and BUFC have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFI or BUFC?

BUFI has higher volatility (2.29%) compared to BUFC (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFI dropped -7.43% vs BUFC's -8.29%.

Which ETF is better, BUFI or BUFC?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 12.79% vs 8.73% for BUFC. Both ETFs have the same 0.69% expense ratio. On volatility, BUFC has been the lower-risk option at 1.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFI or BUFC?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 12.79% return vs 8.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFI or BUFC?

BUFI and BUFC have the same expense ratio: 0.69% per year.

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

BUFI and BUFC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUFI and BUFC?

BUFI is categorized as Defined Outcome, while BUFC is Options Trading.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 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.