PQNT vs. BUFI

Last updated Jul 24, 2026

PQNT (Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PQNT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Pictet, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PQNT charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

PQNT vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF (PQNT) 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, PQNT achieves a 6.44% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.90% return.

PQNT

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: -0.18%
• 6M: 3.67%
• YTD: 6.44%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: -0.18%
• 6M: 2.92%
• YTD: 4.90%
• 1Y: 10.00%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.39%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	$188.06K	$654.73K	$519.10K
PQNT Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF	$400.63	$1.86K	$14.02K

PQNT vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PQNT Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF	6.44%	4.20%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.90%	2.73%

Correlation

The correlation between PQNT and BUFI is 0.95 - 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 Oct 16, 2025	0.95

Return for Risk

PQNT vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

PQNT

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 48
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 45
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
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.

PQNT vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF (PQNT) 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.

	PQNT	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.15	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.69	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.22	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.76	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	7.00	—

Drawdowns

PQNT vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PQNT drawdown since its inception was -11.16%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PQNT and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PQNT	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.16%	-7.43%	-3.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.92%	-1.61%	-1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.13%	-0.84%	-1.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.45%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PQNT	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.53%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.61%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.98%	8.85%	+8.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.98%	9.14%	+7.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.98%	9.14%	+7.84%

PQNT vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

PQNT has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

PQNT vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

PQNT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
PQNT Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF	0.37%	0.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PQNT and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PQNT 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, PQNT or BUFI?

On fees, PQNT is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PQNT or BUFI?

PQNT is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

PQNT has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between PQNT and BUFI?

PQNT is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Pictet and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for PQNT and 0.69% for BUFI.