BUFI vs. PMSE
BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) and PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFI charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMSE.
Performance
BUFI vs. PMSE - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BUFI achieves a 5.09% return, which is significantly higher than PMSE's 2.81% return.
BUFI
- 1D
- -0.95%
- 1M
- 0.35%
- YTD
- 5.09%
- 6M
- 5.03%
- 1Y
- 13.19%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
PMSE
- 1D
- -0.15%
- 1M
- 0.19%
- YTD
- 2.81%
- 6M
- 2.84%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
BUFI vs. PMSE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF | 5.09% | 4.40% |
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September | 2.81% | 2.13% |
Correlation
The correlation between BUFI and PMSE is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 2, 2025 | 0.73 |
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Return for Risk
BUFI vs. PMSE — Risk / Return Rank
BUFI
PMSE
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
BUFI vs. PMSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE). 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 | PMSE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.30 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.33 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.26 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
BUFI vs. PMSE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BUFI drawdown since its inception was -7.43%, which is greater than PMSE's maximum drawdown of -1.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFI and PMSE.
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Drawdown Indicators
| BUFI | PMSE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -7.43% | -1.44% | -5.99% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.69% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.95% | -0.15% | -0.80% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.84% | -0.17% | -0.67% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.43% | — | — |
Volatility
BUFI vs. PMSE - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| BUFI | PMSE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.37% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 7.33% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 8.62% | 2.28% | +6.34% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 9.16% | 2.28% | +6.88% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 9.16% | 2.28% | +6.88% |
BUFI vs. PMSE - Expense Ratio Comparison
BUFI has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than PMSE's 0.50% expense ratio.
Dividends
BUFI vs. PMSE - Dividend Comparison
Neither BUFI nor PMSE has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
BUFI and PMSE have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, PMSE is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
PMSE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.
BUFI and PMSE have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFI and 0.50% for PMSE.
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