APRP vs. BSTP

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

APRP (PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - April) and BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) are both Options Trading funds. APRP is actively managed, while BSTP is passively managed. Over the past year, APRP returned 15.50% vs 13.51% for BSTP. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. APRP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BSTP.

Performance

APRP vs. BSTP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - April (APRP) and Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, APRP achieves a 9.79% return, which is significantly higher than BSTP's 6.13% return.

APRP

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.84%
• 6M: 9.36%
• YTD: 9.79%
• 1Y: 15.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BSTP

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 1.00%
• 6M: 4.80%
• YTD: 6.13%
• 1Y: 13.51%
• 3Y*: 12.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

APRP vs. BSTP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
APRP PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - April	9.79%	7.80%	10.06%
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	6.13%	11.80%	9.76%

Correlation

The correlation between APRP and BSTP 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2024	0.94

The correlation between APRP and BSTP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

APRP vs. BSTP — Risk / Return Rank

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

APRP

APRP Risk / Return Rank: 78
APRP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
APRP Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
APRP Omega Ratio Rank: 96
APRP Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
APRP Martin Ratio Rank: 97

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 63
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 65
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

APRP vs. BSTP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - April (APRP) and Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP). 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.

	APRP	BSTP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.63	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.32	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.66	1.31	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	2.18	+0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	32.44	10.24	+22.20

APRP vs. BSTP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current APRP Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the BSTP Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of APRP and BSTP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

APRP vs. BSTP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APRP drawdown since its inception was -13.66%, smaller than the maximum BSTP drawdown of -16.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APRP and BSTP.

Drawdown Indicators

	APRP	BSTP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.66%	-16.69%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.07%	-6.23%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-0.47%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.21%	-3.46%	+2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	1.32%	-0.84%

Volatility

APRP vs. BSTP - Volatility Comparison

PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 12 ETF - April (APRP) has a higher volatility of 8.44% compared to Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) at 2.53%. This indicates that APRP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BSTP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	APRP	BSTP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.44%	2.53%	+5.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.99%	6.68%	+2.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.32%	8.34%	+0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.80%	12.05%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.80%	12.05%	-1.25%

APRP vs. BSTP - Expense Ratio Comparison

APRP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BSTP's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

APRP vs. BSTP - Dividend Comparison

Neither APRP nor BSTP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APRP and BSTP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, APRP and BSTP 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 is riskier, APRP or BSTP?

APRP has higher volatility (8.44%) compared to BSTP (2.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, APRP dropped -13.66% vs BSTP's -16.69%.

Which ETF is better, APRP or BSTP?

On 1-year performance, APRP leads with 15.50% vs 13.51% for BSTP. On fees, APRP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, BSTP has been the lower-risk option at 2.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, APRP or BSTP?

Over the 1-year period, APRP has performed better with a 15.50% return vs 13.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, APRP or BSTP?

APRP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BSTP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, APRP or BSTP?

APRP and BSTP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between APRP and BSTP?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for APRP and 0.89% for BSTP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

APRP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.63), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.