SSXU vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SSXU (Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SSXU is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Day Hagan, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SSXU returned 17.70% vs 13.19% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSXU charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

SSXU vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) 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, SSXU achieves a 3.06% return, which is significantly lower than BUFI's 5.09% return.

SSXU

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -1.58%
• YTD: 3.06%
• 6M: 2.66%
• 1Y: 17.70%
• 3Y*: 12.21%
• 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)

SSXU vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SSXU Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF	3.06%	27.09%	-4.41%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	5.09%	16.50%	-1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between SSXU and BUFI is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.90

The correlation between SSXU and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SSXU vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSXU

SSXU Risk / Return Rank: 38
SSXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SSXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SSXU Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SSXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
SSXU Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

SSXU vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) 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.

	SSXU	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.54	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	2.26	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.30	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	2.33	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.62	9.26	-3.63

SSXU vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSXU Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSXU 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

SSXU vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSXU drawdown since its inception was -13.91%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSXU and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSXU	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.91%	-7.43%	-6.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-5.69%	-5.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.91%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.35%	-0.95%	-4.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.24%	-0.84%	-2.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	1.43%	+1.73%

Volatility

SSXU vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) has a higher volatility of 4.43% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.37%. This indicates that SSXU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSXU	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	2.37%	+2.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.95%	7.33%	+4.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.01%	8.62%	+5.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.41%	9.16%	+5.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.41%	9.16%	+5.25%

SSXU vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSXU has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSXU vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

SSXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.58%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SSXU Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF	2.58%	2.66%	2.74%	2.07%	0.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSXU and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, SSXU 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 is riskier, SSXU or BUFI?

SSXU has higher volatility (4.43%) compared to BUFI (2.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSXU dropped -13.91% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, SSXU or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, SSXU leads with 17.70% vs 13.19% for BUFI. On fees, BUFI is cheaper at 0.69% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSXU or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, SSXU has performed better with a 17.70% return vs 13.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSXU or BUFI?

BUFI is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 1.15% for SSXU.

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

SSXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.58%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between SSXU and BUFI?

SSXU is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Day Hagan and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 1.15% for SSXU and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.27), 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.