IDYN vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

IDYN (iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDYN is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by iShares, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IDYN charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

IDYN vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF (IDYN) 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, IDYN achieves a 6.26% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.13% return.

IDYN

• 1D: -2.79%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 6.26%
• 6M: 8.83%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 4.13%
• 6M: 5.52%
• 1Y: 11.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IDYN vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IDYN iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF	6.26%	10.87%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.13%	5.81%

Correlation

The correlation between IDYN and BUFI is 0.92, 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 Aug 8, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

IDYN 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: 45
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

IDYN vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF (IDYN) 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

	IDYN	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.28	1.42	-0.14

Drawdowns

IDYN vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDYN drawdown since its inception was -12.68%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDYN and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDYN	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.68%	-7.43%	-5.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.16%	-1.08%	-5.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-0.86%	-1.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IDYN	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.14%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.14%	8.49%	+8.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.14%	9.18%	+7.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.14%	9.18%	+7.96%

IDYN vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IDYN vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

IDYN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
IDYN iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF	0.39%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDYN and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IDYN 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, IDYN or BUFI?

On fees, IDYN 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, IDYN or BUFI?

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

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

IDYN has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between IDYN and BUFI?

IDYN 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: 0.40% for IDYN and 0.69% for BUFI.