IDEV vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IDEV (iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDEV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. IDEV is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, IDEV returned 23.41% vs 12.79% for BUFI. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IDEV charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

IDEV vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) 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, IDEV achieves a 9.92% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 5.25% return.

IDEV

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 2.82%
• YTD: 9.92%
• 6M: 13.26%
• 1Y: 23.41%
• 3Y*: 17.76%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 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)

IDEV vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	9.92%	32.56%	-3.44%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.25%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between IDEV and BUFI is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.96

The correlation between IDEV and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IDEV vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDEV

IDEV Risk / Return Rank: 47
IDEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
IDEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
IDEV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IDEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
IDEV Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

IDEV vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) 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.

	IDEV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.53	+0.10
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.25	+0.06
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.30	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	2.34	-0.11
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.73	9.31	-0.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IDEV vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDEV Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDEV 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

	IDEV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	1.53	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	1.53	-0.97

Drawdowns

IDEV vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDEV drawdown since its inception was -34.77%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDEV and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDEV	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.77%	-7.43%	-27.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-5.69%	-5.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-0.01%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.57%	-0.86%	-5.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	1.43%	+1.42%

Volatility

IDEV vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) has a higher volatility of 4.71% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.29%. This indicates that IDEV'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

	IDEV	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	2.29%	+2.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	7.04%	+5.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.52%	8.43%	+6.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	9.16%	+7.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	9.16%	+8.11%

IDEV vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDEV has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDEV vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

IDEV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.10%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
IDEV iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF	3.10%	3.40%	3.30%	3.07%	2.69%	3.05%	2.00%	3.18%	3.16%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDEV and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IDEV 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, IDEV or BUFI?

IDEV has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to BUFI (2.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDEV dropped -34.77% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, IDEV or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, IDEV leads with 23.41% vs 12.79% for BUFI. On fees, IDEV is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDEV or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, IDEV has performed better with a 23.41% return vs 12.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDEV or BUFI?

IDEV is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

IDEV has the higher dividend yield at 3.10%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between IDEV and BUFI?

IDEV is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: iShares and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for IDEV and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDEV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 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.