BUFI vs. FFDI

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) and FFDI (Fidelity Fundamental Developed International ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while FFDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Fidelity. Over the past year, BUFI returned 12.79% vs 11.92% for FFDI. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFI charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for FFDI.

Performance

BUFI vs. FFDI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) and Fidelity Fundamental Developed International ETF (FFDI). 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 lower than FFDI's 6.71% return.

BUFI

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

FFDI

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 2.03%
• YTD: 6.71%
• 6M: 9.65%
• 1Y: 11.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFI vs. FFDI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.25%	16.50%	-1.31%
FFDI Fidelity Fundamental Developed International ETF	6.71%	26.66%	-4.46%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFI and FFDI is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.93

The correlation between BUFI and FFDI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFI vs. FFDI — 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

FFDI

FFDI Risk / Return Rank: 23
FFDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FFDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
FFDI Omega Ratio Rank: 21
FFDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FFDI Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. FFDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) and Fidelity Fundamental Developed International ETF (FFDI). 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	FFDI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	0.71	+0.82
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	1.13	+1.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.14	+0.16
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	1.11	+1.23
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.31	4.17	+5.14
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. FFDI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is higher than the FFDI Sharpe Ratio of 0.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFI and FFDI, 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	FFDI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.53	0.71	+0.82
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.53	1.09	+0.43

Drawdowns

BUFI vs. FFDI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFI drawdown since its inception was -7.43%, smaller than the maximum FFDI drawdown of -14.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFI and FFDI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFI	FFDI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-14.39%	+6.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-11.85%	+6.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.01%	-0.80%	+0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-2.15%	+1.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	3.14%	-1.71%

Volatility

BUFI vs. FFDI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) is 2.29%, while Fidelity Fundamental Developed International ETF (FFDI) has a volatility of 6.47%. This indicates that BUFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FFDI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFI	FFDI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.29%	6.47%	-4.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.04%	14.60%	-7.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.43%	16.98%	-8.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.16%	18.69%	-9.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.16%	18.69%	-9.53%

BUFI vs. FFDI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFI has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than FFDI's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFI vs. FFDI - Dividend Comparison

BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.07%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FFDI Fidelity Fundamental Developed International ETF	2.07%	2.16%	0.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFI and FFDI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, BUFI and FFDI 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 FFDI?

FFDI has higher volatility (6.47%) compared to BUFI (2.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFI dropped -7.43% vs FFDI's -14.39%.

Which ETF is better, BUFI or FFDI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 12.79% vs 11.92% for FFDI. On fees, FFDI is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFI or FFDI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 12.79% return vs 11.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFI or FFDI?

FFDI is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

FFDI has the higher dividend yield at 2.07%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between BUFI and FFDI?

BUFI is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FFDI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFI and 0.55% for FFDI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 0.71), 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.