BUFI vs. VIGI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) and VIGI (Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while VIGI is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P Global Ex-U.S. Dividend Growers Index. BUFI is actively managed, while VIGI is passively managed. Over the past year, BUFI returned 13.19% vs 7.64% for VIGI. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFI charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VIGI.

Performance

BUFI vs. VIGI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFI achieves a 5.09% return, which is significantly higher than VIGI's 2.46% return.

BUFI

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 5.09%
• 6M: 5.03%
• 1Y: 13.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VIGI

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 2.46%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 7.64%
• 3Y*: 10.08%
• 5Y*: 4.26%
• 10Y*: 8.24%

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

BUFI vs. VIGI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	2.46%	16.88%	-5.11%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFI and VIGI is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.89

The correlation between BUFI and VIGI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFI vs. VIGI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 51
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VIGI

VIGI Risk / Return Rank: 18
VIGI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VIGI Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VIGI Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VIGI Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VIGI Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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. VIGI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) and Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI). 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	VIGI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	0.59	+0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	0.92	+1.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.11	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	0.72	+1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.26	2.54	+6.72

BUFI vs. VIGI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is higher than the VIGI Sharpe Ratio of 0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFI and VIGI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BUFI vs. VIGI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFI drawdown since its inception was -7.43%, smaller than the maximum VIGI drawdown of -31.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFI and VIGI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFI	VIGI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-31.01%	+23.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-10.64%	+4.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.50%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-2.64%	+1.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-6.16%	+5.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.43%	3.01%	-1.58%

Volatility

BUFI vs. VIGI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) is 2.37%, while Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) has a volatility of 3.19%. This indicates that BUFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIGI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFI	VIGI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.37%	3.19%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.33%	10.35%	-3.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.62%	13.05%	-4.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.16%	14.47%	-5.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.16%	15.77%	-6.61%

BUFI vs. VIGI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFI has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VIGI's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFI vs. VIGI - Dividend Comparison

BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VIGI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.15%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	2.15%	2.14%	1.93%	1.92%	2.06%	7.02%	1.29%	1.83%	1.99%	1.75%	1.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFI and VIGI in my portfolio?

BUFI and VIGI have a correlation of 0.89, 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 VIGI?

VIGI has higher volatility (3.19%) compared to BUFI (2.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFI dropped -7.43% vs VIGI's -31.01%.

Which ETF is better, BUFI or VIGI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 13.19% vs 7.64% for VIGI. On fees, VIGI is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFI or VIGI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 13.19% return vs 7.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFI or VIGI?

VIGI is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

VIGI has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between BUFI and VIGI?

BUFI is categorized as Defined Outcome, while VIGI is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFI and 0.15% for VIGI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 0.59), 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.