FIVA vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FIVA (Fidelity International Value Factor ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FIVA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Fidelity® International Value Factor Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. FIVA is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, FIVA returned 35.97% vs 12.80% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FIVA charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

FIVA vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity International Value Factor ETF (FIVA) 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, FIVA achieves a 12.92% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.92% return.

FIVA

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 5.48%
• YTD: 12.92%
• 6M: 18.20%
• 1Y: 35.97%
• 3Y*: 22.76%
• 5Y*: 12.50%
• 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)

FIVA vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FIVA Fidelity International Value Factor ETF	12.92%	45.83%	-4.11%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between FIVA and BUFI is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.93

The correlation between FIVA and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FIVA vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FIVA

FIVA Risk / Return Rank: 67
FIVA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FIVA Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FIVA Omega Ratio Rank: 68
FIVA Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FIVA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

FIVA vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity International Value Factor ETF (FIVA) 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.

	FIVA	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	1.53	+0.86
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.31	2.25	+1.06
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.30	+0.12
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	2.26	+0.83
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.07	8.98	+3.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FIVA vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FIVA Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is higher than the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FIVA 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

	FIVA	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	1.53	+0.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	1.50	-1.01

Drawdowns

FIVA vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FIVA drawdown since its inception was -39.76%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FIVA and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FIVA	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.76%	-7.43%	-32.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.71%	-5.69%	-6.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.36%	-0.32%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-0.86%	-6.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	1.43%	+1.56%

Volatility

FIVA vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity International Value Factor ETF (FIVA) has a higher volatility of 5.02% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.20%. This indicates that FIVA'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

	FIVA	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.02%	2.20%	+2.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.40%	7.05%	+5.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.18%	8.43%	+6.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.33%	9.15%	+7.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.90%	9.15%	+8.75%

FIVA vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FIVA vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

FIVA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FIVA Fidelity International Value Factor ETF	2.52%	2.68%	3.52%	3.63%	3.62%	3.76%	2.46%	3.61%	3.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FIVA and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FIVA 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 is riskier, FIVA or BUFI?

FIVA has higher volatility (5.02%) compared to BUFI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FIVA dropped -39.76% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, FIVA or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, FIVA leads with 35.97% vs 12.80% for BUFI. On fees, FIVA is cheaper at 0.39% 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, FIVA or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, FIVA has performed better with a 35.97% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FIVA or BUFI?

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

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

FIVA has the higher dividend yield at 2.52%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between FIVA and BUFI?

FIVA 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 FIVA and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FIVA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.53), 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.