DFIV vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFIV 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, DFIV returned 34.88% vs 12.80% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFIV charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

DFIV vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) 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, DFIV achieves a 11.54% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.92% return.

DFIV

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.57%
• YTD: 11.54%
• 6M: 15.41%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 23.90%
• 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)

DFIV vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	11.54%	45.36%	-2.63%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DFIV and BUFI 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 11, 2024	0.90

The correlation between DFIV and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFIV vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 75
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

DFIV vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) 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.

	DFIV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	1.53	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	2.25	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.30	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	2.26	+1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.02	8.98	+5.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFIV vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is higher than the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFIV 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

	DFIV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.56	1.53	+1.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.94	1.50	-0.56

Drawdowns

DFIV vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFIV drawdown since its inception was -25.42%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFIV and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFIV	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.42%	-7.43%	-17.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-5.69%	-3.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-0.32%	-0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.48%	-0.86%	-3.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	1.43%	+1.06%

Volatility

DFIV vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) has a higher volatility of 3.89% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.20%. This indicates that DFIV'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

	DFIV	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.89%	2.20%	+1.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.99%	7.05%	+3.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.69%	8.43%	+5.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.63%	9.15%	+7.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	9.15%	+7.48%

DFIV vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFIV has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFIV vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

DFIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.55%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.55%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFIV and BUFI in my portfolio?

DFIV and BUFI 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, DFIV or BUFI?

DFIV has higher volatility (3.89%) compared to BUFI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFIV dropped -25.42% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, DFIV or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, DFIV leads with 34.88% vs 12.80% for BUFI. On fees, DFIV is cheaper at 0.27% 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, DFIV or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, DFIV has performed better with a 34.88% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFIV or BUFI?

DFIV is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

DFIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between DFIV and BUFI?

DFIV 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: 0.27% for DFIV and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 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.