IQSI vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IQSI (IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQSI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the IQ Candriam ESG International Equity Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. IQSI is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, IQSI returned 19.13% vs 12.71% for BUFI. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IQSI charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

IQSI vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) 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, IQSI achieves a 9.93% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 5.24% return.

IQSI

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 9.93%
• 6M: 11.88%
• 1Y: 19.13%
• 3Y*: 15.69%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 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)

IQSI vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IQSI IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF	9.93%	26.95%	-3.70%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.24%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

IQSI vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQSI

IQSI Risk / Return Rank: 36
IQSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
IQSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IQSI Omega Ratio Rank: 35
IQSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IQSI Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

IQSI vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) 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.

	IQSI	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.52	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	2.23	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.29	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	2.24	-0.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.87	8.92	-3.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IQSI vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQSI 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

	IQSI	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	1.52	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	1.52	-1.01

Drawdowns

IQSI vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQSI drawdown since its inception was -31.90%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQSI and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQSI	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.90%	-7.43%	-24.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.00%	-5.69%	-6.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	-0.02%	-0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.50%	-0.85%	-5.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	1.43%	+1.84%

Volatility

IQSI vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF (IQSI) has a higher volatility of 4.75% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.16%. This indicates that IQSI'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

	IQSI	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.75%	2.16%	+2.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.59%	7.05%	+5.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.20%	8.43%	+6.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	9.14%	+7.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.00%	9.14%	+9.86%

IQSI vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQSI has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQSI vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

IQSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IQSI IQ Candriam ESG International Equity ETF	2.49%	2.75%	2.79%	2.98%	2.89%	2.75%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQSI and BUFI in my portfolio?

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

IQSI has higher volatility (4.75%) compared to BUFI (2.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQSI dropped -31.90% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, IQSI or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, IQSI leads with 19.13% vs 12.71% for BUFI. On fees, IQSI is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQSI or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, IQSI has performed better with a 19.13% return vs 12.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQSI or BUFI?

IQSI is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

IQSI has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between IQSI and BUFI?

IQSI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: New York Life and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IQSI and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.27), 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.