IDEQ vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IDEQ (Lazard International Dynamic Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDEQ is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Lazard, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IDEQ charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

IDEQ vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lazard International Dynamic Equity ETF (IDEQ) 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, IDEQ achieves a 17.69% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 5.25% return.

IDEQ

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 4.87%
• YTD: 17.69%
• 6M: 21.62%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 5.25%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: 12.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IDEQ vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IDEQ Lazard International Dynamic Equity ETF	17.69%	11.77%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.25%	4.40%

Correlation

The correlation between IDEQ and BUFI is 0.89, 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 Sep 2, 2025	0.89

Return for Risk

IDEQ 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: 46
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 46
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.

IDEQ vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lazard International Dynamic Equity ETF (IDEQ) 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

	IDEQ	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.40	1.53	+0.88

Drawdowns

IDEQ vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDEQ drawdown since its inception was -12.95%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDEQ and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDEQ	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.95%	-7.43%	-5.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.01%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.10%	-0.86%	-1.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IDEQ	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.04%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.41%	8.43%	+9.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.41%	9.16%	+9.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.41%	9.16%	+9.25%

IDEQ vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDEQ has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDEQ vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

IDEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
IDEQ Lazard International Dynamic Equity ETF	0.51%	0.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDEQ and BUFI in my portfolio?

IDEQ and BUFI have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IDEQ or BUFI?

On fees, IDEQ is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDEQ or BUFI?

IDEQ is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

IDEQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.51%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between IDEQ and BUFI?

IDEQ is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Lazard and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IDEQ and 0.69% for BUFI.