HDAW vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

HDAW (Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US High Dividend Yield Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HDAW is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI ex USA High Dividend Yield US Dollar Hedged Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. HDAW is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. HDAW charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

HDAW vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDAW) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

HDAW

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

BUFI

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 5.24%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 12.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HDAW vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
HDAW Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.24%	16.50%	-1.31%

Return for Risk

HDAW 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: 45
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.

HDAW vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDAW) 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

	HDAW	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	1.52	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	HDAW	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-7.43%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.02%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-0.85%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HDAW	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	8.43%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	9.14%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	9.14%	—

HDAW vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDAW has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

HDAW vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither HDAW nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HDAW Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	0.00%	0.00%	2.68%	4.85%	7.00%	4.84%	4.27%	3.95%	4.02%	4.09%	2.92%	1.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETF is better, HDAW or BUFI?

On fees, HDAW is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDAW or BUFI?

HDAW is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

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

What is the main difference between HDAW and BUFI?

HDAW is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for HDAW and 0.69% for BUFI.