PMFB vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PMFB (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PMFB returned 8.06% vs 12.80% for BUFI. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMFB charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

PMFB vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) 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, PMFB achieves a 2.56% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 4.92% return.

PMFB

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 2.56%
• 6M: 3.26%
• 1Y: 8.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

PMFB vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMFB PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February	2.56%	6.28%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	14.56%

Correlation

The correlation between PMFB and BUFI is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2025	0.65

The correlation between PMFB and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PMFB vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMFB

PMFB Risk / Return Rank: 95
PMFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PMFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PMFB Omega Ratio Rank: 97
PMFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
PMFB Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

PMFB vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) 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.

	PMFB	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.83	1.53	+2.30
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	6.15	2.25	+3.90
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.88	1.30	+0.58
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.04	2.26	+3.78
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	31.52	8.98	+22.54
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PMFB vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PMFB Sharpe Ratio is 3.83, which is higher than the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PMFB 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

	PMFB	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.83	1.53	+2.30
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.43	1.50	+0.94

Drawdowns

PMFB vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMFB drawdown since its inception was -2.94%, smaller than the maximum BUFI drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMFB and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMFB	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.94%	-7.43%	+4.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.34%	-5.69%	+4.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.06%	-0.32%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-0.86%	+0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.26%	1.43%	-1.17%

Volatility

PMFB vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) is 0.37%, while AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) has a volatility of 2.20%. This indicates that PMFB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PMFB	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.37%	2.20%	-1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.43%	7.05%	-5.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12%	8.43%	-6.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.77%	9.15%	-6.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.77%	9.15%	-6.38%

PMFB vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMFB has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMFB vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMFB nor BUFI has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMFB and BUFI in my portfolio?

PMFB and BUFI have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PMFB or BUFI?

BUFI has higher volatility (2.20%) compared to PMFB (0.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PMFB dropped -2.94% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, PMFB or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 12.80% vs 8.06% for PMFB. On fees, PMFB is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PMFB has been the lower-risk option at 0.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PMFB or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMFB or BUFI?

PMFB is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

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

What is the main difference between PMFB and BUFI?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMFB and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMFB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.83 vs 1.53), 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.