IGGY vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

IGGY (AB International Growth ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGGY is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IGGY charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

IGGY vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB International Growth ETF (IGGY) 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, IGGY achieves a -4.56% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 4.13% return.

IGGY

• 1D: -4.02%
• 1M: -3.32%
• YTD: -4.56%
• 6M: -4.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: -0.70%
• YTD: 4.13%
• 6M: 5.52%
• 1Y: 11.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IGGY vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IGGY AB International Growth ETF	-4.56%	-3.42%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.13%	3.40%

Correlation

The correlation between IGGY and BUFI is 0.83, 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 18, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

IGGY 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.

IGGY vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB International Growth ETF (IGGY) 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

	IGGY	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	-0.54	1.42	-1.96

Drawdowns

IGGY vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGGY drawdown since its inception was -19.69%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGGY and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGGY	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.69%	-7.43%	-12.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.51%	-1.08%	-9.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.35%	-0.86%	-6.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IGGY	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	19.94%	8.49%	+11.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.94%	9.18%	+10.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.94%	9.18%	+10.76%

IGGY vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGGY has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGGY vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither IGGY nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGGY and BUFI in my portfolio?

IGGY and BUFI have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IGGY or BUFI?

On fees, IGGY is cheaper at 0.55% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGGY or BUFI?

IGGY is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

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

What is the main difference between IGGY and BUFI?

IGGY is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for IGGY and 0.69% for BUFI.