BUFI vs VXUS
BUFI vs VXUS
AB International Buffer ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $139M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.33% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.33% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BUFI vs VXUS Performance
AB International Buffer ETF (BUFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUFI returned +14.33% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BUFI is up 7.33% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFI charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFI currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFI or VXUS?
BUFI has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFI or VXUS?
Over the past year BUFI returned +14.33% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFI annualized +14.00% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.1% for BUFI. Worst drawdown: BUFI -7.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BUFI and VXUS?
BUFI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFI or VXUS?
BUFI yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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