EFAD vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EFAD (ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EFAD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Dividend Masters Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. EFAD is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, EFAD returned 2.83% vs 12.80% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EFAD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

EFAD vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) 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, EFAD achieves a 1.98% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 4.92% return.

EFAD

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 1.01%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: 2.48%
• 1Y: 2.83%
• 3Y*: 6.48%
• 5Y*: 0.93%
• 10Y*: 4.08%

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)

EFAD vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EFAD ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF	1.98%	15.87%	-3.67%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between EFAD and BUFI is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.90

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

Return for Risk

EFAD vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFAD

EFAD Risk / Return Rank: 12
EFAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
EFAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
EFAD Omega Ratio Rank: 11
EFAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
EFAD Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

EFAD vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) 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.

	EFAD	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.21	1.53	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.39	2.25	-1.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.30	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.28	2.26	-1.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.92	8.98	-8.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EFAD vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFAD Sharpe Ratio is 0.21, which is lower than the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFAD 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

	EFAD	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21	1.53	-1.31
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	1.50	-1.32

Drawdowns

EFAD vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFAD drawdown since its inception was -35.74%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFAD and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFAD	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.74%	-7.43%	-28.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.18%	-5.69%	-4.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.35%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.74%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.70%	-0.32%	-3.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.32%	-0.86%	-9.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	1.43%	+1.66%

Volatility

EFAD vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) has a higher volatility of 3.94% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.20%. This indicates that EFAD'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

	EFAD	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	2.20%	+1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.67%	7.05%	+3.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.27%	8.43%	+4.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.39%	9.15%	+5.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.67%	9.15%	+6.52%

EFAD vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

EFAD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

EFAD vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

EFAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EFAD ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF	2.82%	2.83%	2.64%	2.29%	1.76%	2.98%	1.49%	2.05%	2.37%	2.42%	2.88%	1.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EFAD and BUFI in my portfolio?

EFAD and BUFI have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFAD or BUFI?

EFAD has higher volatility (3.94%) compared to BUFI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFAD dropped -35.74% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, EFAD or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 12.80% vs 2.83% for EFAD. On fees, EFAD is cheaper at 0.50% 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, EFAD or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 2.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFAD or BUFI?

EFAD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

EFAD has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between EFAD and BUFI?

EFAD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for EFAD and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 0.21), 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.