NBIE vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NBIE (Neuberger International Core Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NBIE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Neuberger, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NBIE charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

NBIE vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger International Core Equity ETF (NBIE) and AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NBIE

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 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)

NBIE vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NBIE Neuberger International Core Equity ETF	5.64%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between NBIE and BUFI is 0.97 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

NBIE 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.

NBIE vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger International Core Equity ETF (NBIE) 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

	NBIE	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	1.30	1.52	-0.22

Drawdowns

NBIE vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBIE drawdown since its inception was -5.76%, smaller than the maximum BUFI drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBIE and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBIE	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.76%	-7.43%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-0.85%	-0.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NBIE	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	19.72%	8.43%	+11.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.72%	9.14%	+10.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.72%	9.14%	+10.58%

NBIE vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBIE has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBIE vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither NBIE nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBIE and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, NBIE 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 ETF is better, NBIE or BUFI?

On fees, NBIE is cheaper at 0.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBIE or BUFI?

NBIE is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

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

What is the main difference between NBIE and BUFI?

NBIE is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Neuberger and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for NBIE and 0.69% for BUFI.