VDI vs. BUFI

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

VDI (Virtus International Dividend ETF) and BUFI (AB International Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while BUFI is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VDI charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFI.

Performance

VDI vs. BUFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI) 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, VDI achieves a 15.45% return, which is significantly higher than BUFI's 6.06% return.

VDI

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 0.38%
• 6M: 12.85%
• YTD: 15.45%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFI

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.60%
• 6M: 4.59%
• YTD: 6.06%
• 1Y: 12.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VDI vs. BUFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	15.45%	3.29%
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	6.06%	1.60%

Correlation

The correlation between VDI 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

VDI vs. BUFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDI

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

BUFI

BUFI Risk / Return Rank: 55
BUFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
BUFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
BUFI Omega Ratio Rank: 55
BUFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
BUFI Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

VDI vs. BUFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI) 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.

	VDI	BUFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.42	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.10	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.27	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.17	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.63	—

Drawdowns

VDI vs. BUFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDI drawdown since its inception was -10.40%, which is greater than BUFI's maximum drawdown of -7.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDI and BUFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDI	BUFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.40%	-7.43%	-2.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.53%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.72%	-0.83%	-0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.44%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VDI	BUFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.57%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.46%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.21%	8.71%	+7.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	9.12%	+7.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	9.12%	+7.09%

VDI vs. BUFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDI has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFI's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDI vs. BUFI - Dividend Comparison

VDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, while BUFI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
BUFI AB International Buffer ETF	0.00%
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	2.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDI and BUFI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VDI 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, VDI or BUFI?

On fees, VDI is cheaper at 0.39% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDI or BUFI?

VDI is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFI.

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

VDI has the higher dividend yield at 2.32%, compared with 0.00% for BUFI.

What is the main difference between VDI and BUFI?

VDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BUFI is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for VDI and 0.69% for BUFI.