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- Upturn Summary
- Fund Details
Upturn AI Summary
AB International Buffer ETF(BUFI)
Advisory History & Simulated Performance *
*as per simulation (see disclosures)- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- PASS (Skip)
Stock price based on last close Advisory Performance History (Simulated)
Upturn Advisory & Investor View for BUFI
10/14/2026: BUFI (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
BUFI is an actively managed ETF that provides international equity market exposure with a built-in 10% downside buffer and a capped upside. It achieves this by using a strategic basket of FLEX options, making it a defensive tool for investors who are concerned about market drawdowns. Its main strengths include the expertise of AllianceBernstein and a clear, rules-based risk mitigation profile. Investors should be aware that the upside cap means they may miss out on significant market rallies, and losses exceeding 10% remain fully realized. It is best suited for risk-conscious, long-term investors monitoring international market cycles.
How to Read the Upturn Advisory
The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.
ETF holdings, costs, diversification, valuation, risks, and market conditions provide supporting context about the fund.
Investor Fit
| Investor style | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth investor | Mixed fit | The capped upside potential limits the total growth return during strong market rallies. |
| Momentum investor | Weak fit | The defined outcome strategy is designed for protection rather than capturing rapid momentum-driven price action. |
| Value investor | Mixed fit | The strategy may provide stability for value-oriented investors during periods of international market volatility. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Weak fit | The fund does not typically emphasize dividend yield or regular income generation. |
| Low-risk investor | Strong fit | The 10% downside buffer provides a cushion that aligns well with the risk-averse nature of low-risk investors. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is one seeking international equity exposure but who is risk-averse and willing to trade potential upside gains for a degree of downside protection.
Suitability
Best for long-term investors who can commit to holding the fund through the entire outcome period.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Medium | The buffer strategy actively seeks to dampen the impact of market volatility on the portfolio. |
| Market risk | Medium / high | While buffered, the fund remains exposed to significant international market declines beyond the 10% protection level. |
| Concentration | Medium | The portfolio relies on specific option outcomes which can be sensitive to market conditions. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium | The active management and option-based structure carry inherent costs that impact net performance. |
| Liquidity | Medium | Options liquidity can tighten during periods of extreme market stress. |
| Business/sector quality | Low | The fund relies on the issuer's capability to manage complex derivatives rather than specific stock quality. |
Risk Analysis
Volatility
BUFI exhibits lower historical volatility than a pure international index due to its buffered nature, though it is still susceptible to market risks.
Market Risk
The fund is subject to international equity market risks; however, it includes a partial shield against moderate downturns.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derivatives | FLEX Options linked to International Equity Index | 95 | These options provide the mechanism to deliver the specified upside cap and downside buffer. |
| Cash/collateral | Cash and Cash Equivalents | 5 | Liquidity is maintained to support the collateral requirements of the option strategy. |
Price Behavior
Steady Uptrend
The stock demonstrates consistent and steady upward price momentum.
Very Smooth
The stock has followed a highly orderly price path with minimal short-term disruption.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 2.27% | Avg. Invested days 76 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Advisory Rating  | Upturn Advisory Performance  4.0 | ETF Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 10/14/2026 |
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