BUFI vs SCHD
BUFI vs SCHD
AB International Buffer ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $139M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.33% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.33% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BUFI vs SCHD Performance
AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BUFI returned +14.33% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BUFI is up 7.33% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 5.1% for BUFI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -7.4% for BUFI and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFI charges 0.69% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $6 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFI currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFI or SCHD?
BUFI has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFI or SCHD?
Over the past year BUFI returned +14.33% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFI annualized +14.00% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.1% for BUFI. Worst drawdown: BUFI -7.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BUFI and SCHD?
BUFI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFI or SCHD?
BUFI yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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