ISZE vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISZE (iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISZE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Risk Weighted Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. ISZE is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. ISZE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

ISZE vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF (ISZE) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ISZE

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 6M: 6.32%
• 1Y: 12.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISZE vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ISZE iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Return for Risk

ISZE 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: 47
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
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.

ISZE vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF (ISZE) 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

	ISZE	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	—	1.50	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	ISZE	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-7.43%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.32%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-0.86%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ISZE	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.20%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	8.43%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	9.15%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	9.15%	—

ISZE vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISZE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISZE vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither ISZE nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
ISZE iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.89%	6.63%	2.72%	8.47%	1.39%	2.24%	3.04%	3.33%	3.18%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETF is better, ISZE or BUFI?

On fees, ISZE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISZE or BUFI?

ISZE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

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

What is the main difference between ISZE and BUFI?

ISZE 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: 0.30% for ISZE and 0.69% for BUFI.