BUFI vs. TAFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) and TAFI (AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while TAFI is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BUFI returned 12.71% vs 3.93% for TAFI. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUFI charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for TAFI.

Performance

BUFI vs. TAFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) and AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAFI). 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 TAFI's 1.15% return.

BUFI

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

TAFI

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 1.15%
• 6M: 1.46%
• 1Y: 3.93%
• 3Y*: 3.69%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFI vs. TAFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.24%	16.50%	-1.31%
TAFI AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF	1.15%	4.35%	-0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFI and TAFI is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.22

Return for Risk

BUFI vs. TAFI — 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

TAFI

TAFI Risk / Return Rank: 79
TAFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
TAFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
TAFI Omega Ratio Rank: 90
TAFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
TAFI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. TAFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) and AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAFI). 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	TAFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.71	-1.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	4.34	-2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.57	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	3.26	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.92	11.74	-2.82
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. TAFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is lower than the TAFI Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFI and TAFI, 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	TAFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.52	2.71	-1.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.52	1.72	-0.20

Drawdowns

BUFI vs. TAFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFI drawdown since its inception was -7.43%, which is greater than TAFI's maximum drawdown of -2.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFI and TAFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFI	TAFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-2.00%	-5.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-1.21%	-4.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-0.17%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.85%	-0.37%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	0.34%	+1.09%

Volatility

BUFI vs. TAFI - Volatility Comparison

AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) has a higher volatility of 2.16% compared to AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF (TAFI) at 0.45%. This indicates that BUFI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TAFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFI	TAFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.16%	0.45%	+1.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.05%	0.94%	+6.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.43%	1.46%	+6.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.14%	1.98%	+7.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.14%	1.98%	+7.16%

BUFI vs. TAFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFI has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than TAFI's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFI vs. TAFI - Dividend Comparison

BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while TAFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.14%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TAFI AB Tax-Aware Short Duration ETF	3.14%	3.21%	3.34%	3.27%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFI and TAFI in my portfolio?

BUFI and TAFI have a correlation of 0.22, 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 TAFI?

BUFI has higher volatility (2.16%) compared to TAFI (0.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFI dropped -7.43% vs TAFI's -2.00%.

Which ETF is better, BUFI or TAFI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 12.71% vs 3.93% for TAFI. On fees, TAFI is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, TAFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFI or TAFI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 12.71% return vs 3.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFI or TAFI?

TAFI is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

TAFI has the higher dividend yield at 3.14%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between BUFI and TAFI?

BUFI is categorized as Defined Outcome, while TAFI is Municipal Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFI and 0.27% for TAFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TAFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 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.