EPIN vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EPIN (Harbor International Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPIN is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Harbor, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPIN charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

EPIN vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN) 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, EPIN achieves a 24.57% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 5.24% return.

EPIN

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 9.68%
• YTD: 24.57%
• 6M: 28.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 5.24%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 12.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EPIN vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	24.57%	14.68%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.24%	7.29%

Correlation

The correlation between EPIN 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

EPIN vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 47
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
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.

EPIN vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EPIN	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.50	1.52	+0.98

Drawdowns

EPIN vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPIN drawdown since its inception was -11.64%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPIN and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPIN	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.64%	-7.43%	-4.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-0.02%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.76%	-0.85%	-0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EPIN	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.35%	8.43%	+8.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.35%	9.14%	+8.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	9.14%	+8.21%

EPIN vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPIN has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPIN vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

EPIN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	0.63%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPIN and BUFI in my portfolio?

EPIN 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 ETF is better, EPIN or BUFI?

On fees, BUFI is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPIN or BUFI?

BUFI is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for EPIN.

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

EPIN has the higher dividend yield at 0.63%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between EPIN and BUFI?

EPIN is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Harbor and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for EPIN and 0.69% for BUFI.