FDEV vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FDEV (Fidelity International Multifactor ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDEV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Targeted International Factor Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. FDEV is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, FDEV returned 14.87% vs 13.19% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDEV charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

FDEV vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Multifactor ETF (FDEV) 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, FDEV achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 5.09% return.

FDEV

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 3.18%
• 1Y: 14.87%
• 3Y*: 14.79%
• 5Y*: 6.99%
• 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)

FDEV vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FDEV Fidelity International Multifactor ETF	4.10%	30.36%	-4.07%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between FDEV and BUFI is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.83

The correlation between FDEV and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FDEV vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDEV

FDEV Risk / Return Rank: 37
FDEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FDEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
FDEV Omega Ratio Rank: 35
FDEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
FDEV Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

FDEV vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Multifactor ETF (FDEV) 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.

	FDEV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.54	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.26	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.30	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.76	2.33	-0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.16	9.26	-3.10

FDEV vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDEV 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

FDEV vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDEV drawdown since its inception was -30.11%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDEV and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDEV	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.11%	-7.43%	-22.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.46%	-5.69%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.58%	-0.95%	-3.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.27%	-0.84%	-5.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	1.43%	+0.99%

Volatility

FDEV vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity International Multifactor ETF (FDEV) has a higher volatility of 3.09% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.37%. This indicates that FDEV'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

	FDEV	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.09%	2.37%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.91%	7.33%	+2.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.96%	8.62%	+3.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.91%	9.16%	+4.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.30%	9.16%	+6.14%

FDEV vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDEV has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDEV vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

FDEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.09%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FDEV Fidelity International Multifactor ETF	3.09%	2.86%	2.99%	2.80%	2.65%	2.81%	1.88%	2.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDEV and BUFI in my portfolio?

FDEV and BUFI have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDEV or BUFI?

FDEV has higher volatility (3.09%) compared to BUFI (2.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDEV dropped -30.11% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, FDEV or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, FDEV leads with 14.87% vs 13.19% for BUFI. On fees, FDEV is cheaper at 0.39% 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, FDEV or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, FDEV has performed better with a 14.87% return vs 13.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDEV or BUFI?

FDEV is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

FDEV has the higher dividend yield at 3.09%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between FDEV and BUFI?

FDEV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FDEV and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.25), 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.