CAM vs. BUFC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CAM (AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF) and BUFC (AB Conservative Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CAM is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while BUFC is a Options Trading fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CAM charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFC.

Performance

CAM vs. BUFC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF (CAM) and AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CAM achieves a 1.29% return, which is significantly lower than BUFC's 2.84% return.

CAM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 1.29%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFC

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 2.84%
• 6M: 3.28%
• 1Y: 8.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CAM vs. BUFC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CAM AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF	1.29%	1.17%
BUFC AB Conservative Buffer ETF	2.84%	1.54%

Correlation

The correlation between CAM and BUFC is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2025	0.12

Return for Risk

CAM vs. BUFC — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFC

BUFC Risk / Return Rank: 61
BUFC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
BUFC Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
BUFC Omega Ratio Rank: 68
BUFC Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
BUFC Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

CAM vs. BUFC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF (CAM) and AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CAM	BUFC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.80	1.42	+0.38

Drawdowns

CAM vs. BUFC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAM drawdown since its inception was -2.19%, smaller than the maximum BUFC drawdown of -8.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAM and BUFC.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAM	BUFC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.19%	-8.29%	+6.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.62%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.12%	-0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-0.76%	+0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.85%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CAM	BUFC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.98%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.36%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12%	4.25%	-2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.12%	5.64%	-3.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.12%	5.64%	-3.52%

CAM vs. BUFC - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAM has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFC's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

CAM vs. BUFC - Dividend Comparison

CAM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.25%, while BUFC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFC AB Conservative Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
CAM AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF	2.25%	0.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAM and BUFC in my portfolio?

CAM and BUFC have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CAM or BUFC?

On fees, CAM is cheaper at 0.27% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CAM or BUFC?

CAM is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CAM or BUFC?

CAM has the higher dividend yield at 2.25%, compared with 0.00% for BUFC.

What is the main difference between CAM and BUFC?

CAM is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while BUFC is Options Trading. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for CAM and 0.69% for BUFC.