PIEL vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PIEL (Pacer International Export Leaders ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PIEL is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Pacer International Export Leaders Index, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. PIEL is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PIEL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

PIEL vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer International Export Leaders ETF (PIEL) 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, PIEL achieves a 8.89% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.13% return.

PIEL

• 1D: -5.07%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 8.89%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: -0.70%
• YTD: 4.13%
• 6M: 5.52%
• 1Y: 11.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PIEL vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PIEL Pacer International Export Leaders ETF	8.89%	-0.43%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.13%	-0.05%

Correlation

The correlation between PIEL and BUFI is 0.89, 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 Dec 24, 2025	0.89

Return for Risk

PIEL 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: 45
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

PIEL vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer International Export Leaders ETF (PIEL) 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

	PIEL	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	1.42	-0.59

Drawdowns

PIEL vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIEL drawdown since its inception was -14.67%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIEL and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIEL	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.67%	-7.43%	-7.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.53%	-1.08%	-4.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-0.86%	-2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PIEL	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.14%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.11%	8.49%	+15.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.11%	9.18%	+14.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.11%	9.18%	+14.93%

PIEL vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PIEL vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither PIEL nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIEL and BUFI in my portfolio?

PIEL and BUFI have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PIEL or BUFI?

On fees, PIEL 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, PIEL or BUFI?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PIEL and BUFI?

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