GAID vs. BUFI

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

GAID (Guinness Atkinson International Dividend Builder ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GAID is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Guinness Atkinson, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GAID charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

GAID vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Guinness Atkinson International Dividend Builder ETF (GAID) 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, GAID achieves a -1.34% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 6.15% return.

GAID

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -1.44%
• 6M: -2.73%
• YTD: -1.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 0.25%
• 6M: 4.50%
• YTD: 6.15%
• 1Y: 13.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GAID vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GAID Guinness Atkinson International Dividend Builder ETF	-1.34%	0.04%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	6.15%	0.44%

Correlation

The correlation between GAID and BUFI is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

GAID vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAID

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 60
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 61
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

GAID vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Guinness Atkinson International Dividend Builder ETF (GAID) 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.

	GAID	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.56	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.29	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.39	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.49	—

Drawdowns

GAID vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAID drawdown since its inception was -13.61%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAID and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAID	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.61%	-7.43%	-6.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.22%	-0.44%	-3.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.42%	-0.83%	-3.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GAID	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.50%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.51%	8.74%	+6.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.51%	9.12%	+6.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.51%	9.12%	+6.39%

GAID vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAID has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAID vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

GAID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.65%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%
GAID Guinness Atkinson International Dividend Builder ETF	0.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GAID and BUFI in my portfolio?

GAID and BUFI have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GAID or BUFI?

On fees, GAID is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GAID or BUFI?

GAID is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

GAID has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between GAID and BUFI?

GAID is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Guinness Atkinson and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GAID and 0.69% for BUFI.