ITOL vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ITOL (Tema International Durable Quality ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ITOL is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Tema, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ITOL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

ITOL vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tema International Durable Quality ETF (ITOL) 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, ITOL achieves a 0.58% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 5.24% return.

ITOL

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

ITOL vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ITOL Tema International Durable Quality ETF	0.58%	3.85%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.24%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between ITOL and BUFI is 0.81, 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 12, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

ITOL 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: 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.

ITOL vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tema International Durable Quality ETF (ITOL) 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

	ITOL	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	1.52	-1.17

Drawdowns

ITOL vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITOL drawdown since its inception was -15.54%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITOL and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITOL	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.54%	-7.43%	-8.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.46%	-0.02%	-5.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.60%	-0.85%	-2.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ITOL	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.86%	8.43%	+9.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.86%	9.14%	+8.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.86%	9.14%	+8.72%

ITOL vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITOL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITOL vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

ITOL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
ITOL Tema International Durable Quality ETF	0.13%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITOL and BUFI in my portfolio?

ITOL and BUFI have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ITOL or BUFI?

On fees, ITOL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ITOL or BUFI?

ITOL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

ITOL has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between ITOL and BUFI?

ITOL is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Tema and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for ITOL and 0.69% for BUFI.