BUFI vs. HYFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) and HYFI (AB High Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while HYFI is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BUFI returned 12.71% vs 7.65% for HYFI. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFI charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for HYFI.

Performance

BUFI vs. HYFI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFI achieves a 5.24% return, which is significantly higher than HYFI's 1.98% return.

BUFI

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 5.24%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 12.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HYFI

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: 2.35%
• 1Y: 7.65%
• 3Y*: 9.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFI vs. HYFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.24%	16.50%	-1.31%
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	1.98%	8.91%	-0.55%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFI and HYFI is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.62

The correlation between BUFI and HYFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFI vs. HYFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 47
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 47
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 53

HYFI

HYFI Risk / Return Rank: 65
HYFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
HYFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
HYFI Omega Ratio Rank: 62
HYFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
HYFI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. HYFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) and AB High Yield ETF (HYFI). 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	HYFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.95	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	3.02	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.37	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	3.08	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.92	13.91	-4.99
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. HYFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the HYFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFI and HYFI, 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	HYFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.52	1.95	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.52	1.70	-0.18

Drawdowns

BUFI vs. HYFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFI drawdown since its inception was -7.43%, which is greater than HYFI's maximum drawdown of -6.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFI and HYFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFI	HYFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-6.34%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-2.49%	-3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.34%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-0.21%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.85%	-0.51%	-0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	0.55%	+0.88%

Volatility

BUFI vs. HYFI - Volatility Comparison

AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) has a higher volatility of 2.16% compared to AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) at 1.08%. This indicates that BUFI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HYFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFI	HYFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.16%	1.08%	+1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.05%	3.10%	+3.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.43%	3.94%	+4.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.14%	5.36%	+3.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.14%	5.36%	+3.78%

BUFI vs. HYFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFI has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than HYFI's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFI vs. HYFI - Dividend Comparison

BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HYFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.64%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HYFI AB High Yield ETF	6.64%	6.66%	6.57%	4.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFI and HYFI in my portfolio?

BUFI and HYFI have a correlation of 0.63, 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 HYFI?

BUFI has higher volatility (2.16%) compared to HYFI (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFI dropped -7.43% vs HYFI's -6.34%.

Which ETF is better, BUFI or HYFI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 12.71% vs 7.65% for HYFI. On fees, HYFI is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, HYFI has been the lower-risk option at 1.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFI or HYFI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 12.71% return vs 7.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFI or HYFI?

HYFI is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

HYFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.64%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between BUFI and HYFI?

BUFI is categorized as Defined Outcome, while HYFI is High Yield Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFI and 0.40% for HYFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HYFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 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.