CPLS vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CPLS (AB Core Plus Bond ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CPLS returned 4.59% vs 13.19% for BUFI. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CPLS charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

CPLS vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPLS achieves a 0.47% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 5.09% return.

CPLS

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.56%
• 1Y: 4.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

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

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

CPLS vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	0.47%	6.91%	-1.89%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between CPLS and BUFI is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.39

Return for Risk

CPLS vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPLS

CPLS Risk / Return Rank: 35
CPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
CPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
CPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 32
CPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
CPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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

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.

CPLS vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI). 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.

	CPLS	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	1.54	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	2.26	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.30	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	2.33	-0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.58	9.26	-3.68

CPLS vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPLS and BUFI, 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

CPLS vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPLS drawdown since its inception was -4.43%, smaller than the maximum BUFI drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPLS and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPLS	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.43%	-7.43%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.47%	-5.69%	+3.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-0.95%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.23%	-0.84%	-0.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	1.43%	-0.61%

Volatility

CPLS vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) is 1.09%, while AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) has a volatility of 2.37%. This indicates that CPLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPLS	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.09%	2.37%	-1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.96%	7.33%	-4.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	8.62%	-4.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.84%	9.16%	-4.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.84%	9.16%	-4.32%

CPLS vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPLS has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPLS vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

CPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	4.61%	4.66%	4.71%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPLS and BUFI in my portfolio?

CPLS and BUFI have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPLS or BUFI?

BUFI has higher volatility (2.37%) compared to CPLS (1.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPLS dropped -4.43% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, CPLS or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 13.19% vs 4.59% for CPLS. On fees, CPLS is cheaper at 0.33% per year. On volatility, CPLS has been the lower-risk option at 1.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPLS or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 13.19% return vs 4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPLS or BUFI?

CPLS is cheaper with a 0.33% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

CPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.61%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between CPLS and BUFI?

CPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CPLS and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.19), 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.