TDI vs. BUFI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TDI (Touchstone Dynamic International ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Touchstone, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, TDI returned 42.61% vs 12.80% for BUFI. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TDI charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

TDI vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Touchstone Dynamic International ETF (TDI) 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, TDI achieves a 18.78% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 4.92% return.

TDI

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 4.89%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 6M: 22.24%
• 1Y: 42.61%
• 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)

TDI vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TDI Touchstone Dynamic International ETF	18.78%	43.12%	-3.87%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	4.92%	16.50%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between TDI and BUFI is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	0.85

The correlation between TDI and BUFI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TDI vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

TDI

TDI Risk / Return Rank: 74
TDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
TDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
TDI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
TDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
TDI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

TDI vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Touchstone Dynamic International ETF (TDI) 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.

	TDI	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	1.53	+0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	2.25	+1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.30	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.54	2.26	+1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.18	8.98	+5.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TDI vs. BUFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TDI Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is higher than the BUFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TDI 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

	TDI	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	1.53	+0.95
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.74	1.50	+0.25

Drawdowns

TDI vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TDI drawdown since its inception was -14.99%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TDI and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	TDI	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.99%	-7.43%	-7.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.09%	-5.69%	-6.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-0.32%	-0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-0.86%	-1.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	1.43%	+1.58%

Volatility

TDI vs. BUFI - Volatility Comparison

Touchstone Dynamic International ETF (TDI) has a higher volatility of 6.02% compared to AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) at 2.20%. This indicates that TDI'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

	TDI	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.02%	2.20%	+3.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.88%	7.05%	+7.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.31%	8.43%	+8.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.84%	9.15%	+7.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	9.15%	+7.69%

TDI vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

TDI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

TDI vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

TDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TDI Touchstone Dynamic International ETF	1.63%	1.94%	3.39%	0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TDI and BUFI in my portfolio?

TDI and BUFI have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TDI or BUFI?

TDI has higher volatility (6.02%) compared to BUFI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TDI dropped -14.99% vs BUFI's -7.43%.

Which ETF is better, TDI or BUFI?

On 1-year performance, TDI leads with 42.61% vs 12.80% for BUFI. On fees, TDI is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, BUFI has been the lower-risk option at 2.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TDI or BUFI?

Over the 1-year period, TDI has performed better with a 42.61% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TDI or BUFI?

TDI is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

TDI has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between TDI and BUFI?

TDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Touchstone and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for TDI and 0.69% for BUFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 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.