DSTX vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DSTX (Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSTX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Distillate Fundamental Stability & Value Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. DSTX is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, DSTX returned 24.12% vs 13.19% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DSTX charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

DSTX vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTX) 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, DSTX achieves a 3.98% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 5.09% return.

DSTX

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -2.79%
• YTD: 3.98%
• 6M: 3.92%
• 1Y: 24.12%
• 3Y*: 16.21%
• 5Y*: 6.37%
• 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)

DSTX vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DSTX Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	3.98%	41.71%	-4.79%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between DSTX and BUFI is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.86

The correlation between DSTX and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DSTX vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSTX

DSTX Risk / Return Rank: 44
DSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
DSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

DSTX vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTX) 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.

	DSTX	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.54	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.26	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.30	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	2.33	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.70	9.26	-2.55

DSTX vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSTX 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

DSTX vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSTX drawdown since its inception was -33.67%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSTX and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSTX	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.67%	-7.43%	-26.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-5.69%	-6.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.90%	-0.95%	-5.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.93%	-0.84%	-8.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	1.43%	+2.18%

Volatility

DSTX vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTX) has a higher volatility of 5.22% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.37%. This indicates that DSTX'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

	DSTX	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	2.37%	+2.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.36%	7.33%	+6.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.16%	8.62%	+7.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.13%	9.16%	+7.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	9.16%	+7.68%

DSTX vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSTX has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

DSTX vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

DSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.80%, 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%
DSTX Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF	2.80%	2.93%	2.41%	1.81%	3.68%	2.24%	0.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DSTX and BUFI in my portfolio?

DSTX and BUFI have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DSTX or BUFI?

DSTX has higher volatility (5.22%) compared to BUFI (2.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSTX dropped -33.67% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, DSTX or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, DSTX leads with 24.12% vs 13.19% for BUFI. On fees, DSTX is cheaper at 0.55% 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, DSTX or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, DSTX has performed better with a 24.12% return vs 13.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSTX or BUFI?

DSTX is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

DSTX has the higher dividend yield at 2.80%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between DSTX and BUFI?

DSTX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Distillate Capital and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for DSTX and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.50), 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.