DFIC vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIC 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, DFIC returned 27.29% vs 12.80% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFIC charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

DFIC vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) 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, DFIC achieves a 10.29% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.92% return.

DFIC

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 10.29%
• 6M: 13.30%
• 1Y: 27.29%
• 3Y*: 19.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 6M: 6.32%
• 1Y: 12.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFIC vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	10.29%	37.09%	-3.15%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIC and BUFI is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.93

The correlation between DFIC and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIC vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 55
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 47
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 47
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

DFIC vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) 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.

	DFIC	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	1.53	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	2.25	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.30	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	2.26	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.90	8.98	+0.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFIC vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIC Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIC 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFIC	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	1.53	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	1.50	-0.68

Drawdowns

DFIC vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIC drawdown since its inception was -24.40%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIC and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIC	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.40%	-7.43%	-16.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.00%	-5.69%	-5.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-0.32%	-1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-0.86%	-3.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	1.43%	+1.33%

Volatility

DFIC vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) has a higher volatility of 4.34% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.20%. This indicates that DFIC'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

	DFIC	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	2.20%	+2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	7.05%	+4.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	8.43%	+5.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	9.15%	+7.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	9.15%	+7.06%

DFIC vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIC has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIC vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

DFIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.27%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIC and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DFIC 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, DFIC or BUFI?

DFIC has higher volatility (4.34%) compared to BUFI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIC dropped -24.40% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, DFIC or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, DFIC leads with 27.29% vs 12.80% for BUFI. On fees, DFIC is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFIC or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, DFIC has performed better with a 27.29% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIC or BUFI?

DFIC is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

DFIC has the higher dividend yield at 2.27%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between DFIC and BUFI?

DFIC 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: 0.23% for DFIC and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.53), 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.