LOWV vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LOWV (AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LOWV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, LOWV returned 10.86% vs 12.80% for BUFI. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LOWV charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

LOWV vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) 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, LOWV achieves a 2.73% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 4.92% return.

LOWV

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 2.73%
• 6M: 2.69%
• 1Y: 10.86%
• 3Y*: 15.49%
• 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)

LOWV vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
LOWV AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF	2.73%	12.26%	-2.21%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between LOWV and BUFI is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.68

The correlation between LOWV and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LOWV vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

LOWV

LOWV Risk / Return Rank: 28
LOWV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
LOWV Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
LOWV Omega Ratio Rank: 27
LOWV Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
LOWV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

LOWV vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) 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.

	LOWV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	1.53	-0.48
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	2.25	-0.75
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.30	-0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.14	2.26	-1.12
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.65	8.98	-4.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LOWV vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LOWV Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is lower than the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LOWV 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

	LOWV	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.04	1.53	-0.48
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.47	1.50	-0.03

Drawdowns

LOWV vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LOWV drawdown since its inception was -13.87%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LOWV and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	LOWV	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.87%	-7.43%	-6.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-5.69%	-3.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-0.32%	-0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.50%	-0.86%	-0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	1.43%	+0.91%

Volatility

LOWV vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) have volatilities of 2.17% and 2.20%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LOWV	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.17%	2.20%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.89%	7.05%	+0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.47%	8.43%	+2.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.95%	9.15%	+2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.95%	9.15%	+2.80%

LOWV vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

LOWV has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

LOWV vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

LOWV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
LOWV AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF	0.91%	0.85%	0.92%	0.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LOWV and BUFI in my portfolio?

LOWV and BUFI have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LOWV or BUFI?

BUFI has higher volatility (2.20%) compared to LOWV (2.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LOWV dropped -13.87% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, LOWV or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 12.80% vs 10.86% for LOWV. On fees, LOWV is cheaper at 0.48% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LOWV or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 10.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LOWV or BUFI?

LOWV is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

LOWV has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between LOWV and BUFI?

LOWV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for LOWV and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 1.04), 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.