JULB vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JULB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

JULB vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) 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, JULB achieves a 6.38% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 5.09% return.

JULB

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 6.38%
• 6M: 6.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 5.09%
• 6M: 5.03%
• 1Y: 13.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JULB vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.38%	2.44%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	3.20%

Correlation

The correlation between JULB and BUFI is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

JULB vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

JULB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 51
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

JULB vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	JULB	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.54	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.26	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.33	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.26	—

Drawdowns

JULB vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JULB drawdown since its inception was -5.24%, smaller than the maximum BUFI drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JULB and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	JULB	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-7.43%	+2.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.95%	+0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.83%	-0.84%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JULB	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.37%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.84%	8.62%	-1.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.84%	9.16%	-2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.84%	9.16%	-2.32%

JULB vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

JULB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

JULB vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither JULB nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JULB and BUFI in my portfolio?

JULB and BUFI have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, JULB or BUFI?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, JULB or BUFI?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

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

What is the main difference between JULB and BUFI?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for JULB and 0.69% for BUFI.