ESIM vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESIM (Eventide International ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESIM is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Eventide, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESIM charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

ESIM vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Eventide International ETF (ESIM) 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, ESIM achieves a 16.15% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.92% return.

ESIM

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 7.18%
• YTD: 16.15%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

ESIM vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ESIM Eventide International ETF	16.15%	2.23%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	1.08%

Correlation

The correlation between ESIM and BUFI is 0.91, 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 Dec 18, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

ESIM 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: 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.

ESIM vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Eventide International ETF (ESIM) 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

	ESIM	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.89	1.50	+1.39

Drawdowns

ESIM vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESIM drawdown since its inception was -11.26%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESIM and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESIM	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.26%	-7.43%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-0.32%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.26%	-0.86%	-1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESIM	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.20%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.07%	8.43%	+7.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.07%	9.15%	+6.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.07%	9.15%	+6.92%

ESIM vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESIM has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESIM vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

ESIM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.19%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
ESIM Eventide International ETF	0.19%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESIM and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, ESIM 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 ETF is better, ESIM or BUFI?

On fees, ESIM is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESIM or BUFI?

ESIM is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

ESIM has the higher dividend yield at 0.19%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between ESIM and BUFI?

ESIM is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Eventide and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ESIM and 0.69% for BUFI.