SDFI vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDFI (AB Short Duration Income ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDFI is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Actively Managed, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. SDFI is passively managed, while BUFI is actively managed. Over the past year, SDFI returned 3.91% vs 13.19% for BUFI. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDFI charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

SDFI vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) 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, SDFI achieves a 0.89% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 5.09% return.

SDFI

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.89%
• 6M: 1.13%
• 1Y: 3.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 5.09%
• 6M: 5.03%
• 1Y: 13.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDFI vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SDFI AB Short Duration Income ETF	0.89%	6.39%	-0.24%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between SDFI and BUFI is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.33

Return for Risk

SDFI vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDFI

SDFI Risk / Return Rank: 71
SDFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SDFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SDFI Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SDFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SDFI Martin Ratio Rank: 77

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 51
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
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.

SDFI vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) 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.

	SDFI	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.54	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.26	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.30	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	2.33	+0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.25	9.26	+3.99

SDFI vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDFI 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.

Drawdowns

SDFI vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDFI drawdown since its inception was -1.21%, smaller than the maximum BUFI drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDFI and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDFI	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.21%	-7.43%	+6.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.20%	-5.69%	+4.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-0.95%	+0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.22%	-0.84%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.30%	1.43%	-1.13%

Volatility

SDFI vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) is 0.61%, while AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) has a volatility of 2.37%. This indicates that SDFI 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

	SDFI	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.61%	2.37%	-1.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.39%	7.33%	-5.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05%	8.62%	-6.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.48%	9.16%	-6.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.48%	9.16%	-6.68%

SDFI vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SDFI vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

SDFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDFI AB Short Duration Income ETF	4.61%	4.66%	3.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDFI and BUFI in my portfolio?

SDFI and BUFI have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDFI or BUFI?

BUFI has higher volatility (2.37%) compared to SDFI (0.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDFI dropped -1.21% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, SDFI or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, BUFI leads with 13.19% vs 3.91% for SDFI. On fees, SDFI is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SDFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDFI or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, BUFI has performed better with a 13.19% return vs 3.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDFI or BUFI?

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

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

SDFI has the higher dividend yield at 4.61%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between SDFI and BUFI?

SDFI is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for SDFI and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.54), 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.