BUFI vs SPY
AB International Buffer ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $139M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.33% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.33% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BUFI vs SPY Performance
AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BUFI returned +14.33% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BUFI is up 7.33% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFI charges 0.69% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $9 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFI currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFI or SPY?
BUFI has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFI or SPY?
Over the past year BUFI returned +14.33% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFI annualized +14.00% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.1% for BUFI. Worst drawdown: BUFI -7.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUFI and SPY?
BUFI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFI or SPY?
BUFI yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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