DFAI vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAI (Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFAI returned 23.12% vs 13.19% for BUFI. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAI charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

DFAI vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) 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, DFAI achieves a 7.50% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 5.09% return.

DFAI

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -1.64%
• YTD: 7.50%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 23.12%
• 3Y*: 17.77%
• 5Y*: 9.35%
• 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)

DFAI vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	7.50%	34.04%	-4.04%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAI and BUFI is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.95

The correlation between DFAI and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFAI vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAI

DFAI Risk / Return Rank: 47
DFAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DFAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFAI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

DFAI vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) 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.

	DFAI	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	1.54	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	2.26	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.30	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	2.33	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.25	9.26	-1.01

DFAI vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAI 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

DFAI vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAI drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAI and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAI	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-7.43%	-20.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-5.69%	-5.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.44%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.10%	-0.95%	-2.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.09%	-0.84%	-4.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	1.43%	+1.38%

Volatility

DFAI vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF (DFAI) has a higher volatility of 5.38% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.37%. This indicates that DFAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAI	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	2.37%	+3.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.60%	7.33%	+5.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.77%	8.62%	+6.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.03%	9.16%	+6.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.77%	9.16%	+6.61%

DFAI vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAI has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAI vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

DFAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAI Dimensional International Core Equity Market ETF	2.29%	2.45%	2.72%	2.64%	2.72%	2.06%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAI and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFAI and BUFI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DFAI or BUFI?

DFAI has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to BUFI (2.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAI dropped -27.44% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, DFAI or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, DFAI leads with 23.12% vs 13.19% for BUFI. On fees, DFAI is cheaper at 0.18% 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, DFAI or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, DFAI has performed better with a 23.12% return vs 13.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAI or BUFI?

DFAI is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

DFAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between DFAI and BUFI?

DFAI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for DFAI and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 1.54), 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.