GIEQ vs. BUFI

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

GIEQ (Goldman Sachs Data Enhanced International Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GIEQ is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Goldman Sachs, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GIEQ charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

GIEQ vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Data Enhanced International Equity ETF (GIEQ) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

GIEQ

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 5.71%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 12.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GIEQ vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GIEQ Goldman Sachs Data Enhanced International Equity ETF	2.40%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	1.19%

Correlation

The correlation between GIEQ 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 May 21, 2026	0.91

Return for Risk

GIEQ vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

GIEQ

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 51
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
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.

GIEQ vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Data Enhanced International Equity ETF (GIEQ) 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.

	GIEQ	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.43	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.11	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.28	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.16	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.57	—

Drawdowns

GIEQ vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GIEQ drawdown since its inception was -3.19%, smaller than the maximum BUFI drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GIEQ and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GIEQ	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.19%	-7.43%	+4.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	-0.36%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.80%	-0.84%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GIEQ	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.38%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.02%	8.62%	+7.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.02%	9.14%	+6.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.02%	9.14%	+6.88%

GIEQ vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

GIEQ has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

GIEQ vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither GIEQ nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GIEQ and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, GIEQ 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, GIEQ or BUFI?

On fees, GIEQ is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GIEQ or BUFI?

GIEQ is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

GIEQ and BUFI have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between GIEQ and BUFI?

GIEQ is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for GIEQ and 0.69% for BUFI.