BALT vs. BSCS

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

BALT (Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF) and BSCS (Invesco BulletShares 2028 Corporate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BALT is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the S&P 500, while BSCS is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the NASDAQ BulletShares USD Corporate Bond 2028 TR Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BALT returned 7.18%/yr vs 5.63%/yr for BSCS. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BALT charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for BSCS.

Performance

BALT vs. BSCS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) and Invesco BulletShares 2028 Corporate Bond ETF (BSCS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BALT achieves a 2.13% return, which is significantly higher than BSCS's 0.98% return.

BALT

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 2.13%
• 6M: 3.06%
• 1Y: 6.90%
• 3Y*: 7.18%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BSCS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.27%
• 1Y: 4.58%
• 3Y*: 5.63%
• 5Y*: 1.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

BALT vs. BSCS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BALT Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF	2.13%	6.65%	9.98%	7.45%	2.54%	0.91%
BSCS Invesco BulletShares 2028 Corporate Bond ETF	0.98%	7.04%	3.87%	7.62%	-11.24%	-0.75%

Correlation

The correlation between BALT and BSCS is 0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2021	0.15

Return for Risk

BALT vs. BSCS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BALT

BALT Risk / Return Rank: 94
BALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
BALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
BALT Omega Ratio Rank: 95
BALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
BALT Martin Ratio Rank: 93

BSCS

BSCS Risk / Return Rank: 90
BSCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
BSCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
BSCS Omega Ratio Rank: 93
BSCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
BSCS Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

BALT vs. BSCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) and Invesco BulletShares 2028 Corporate Bond ETF (BSCS). 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.

	BALT	BSCS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.20	2.88	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.88	4.91	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.68	1.62	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.01	4.26	+1.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.44	18.50	+3.94

BALT vs. BSCS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BALT Sharpe Ratio is 3.20, which is comparable to the BSCS Sharpe Ratio of 2.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BALT and BSCS, 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

BALT vs. BSCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALT drawdown since its inception was -4.89%, smaller than the maximum BSCS drawdown of -18.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALT and BSCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALT	BSCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.89%	-18.40%	+13.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.15%	-1.08%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.89%	-3.14%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.34%	-4.18%	+3.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.31%	0.25%	+0.06%

Volatility

BALT vs. BSCS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) is 0.25%, while Invesco BulletShares 2028 Corporate Bond ETF (BSCS) has a volatility of 0.37%. This indicates that BALT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BSCS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BALT	BSCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.25%	0.37%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.52%	1.03%	+0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.17%	1.60%	+0.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.30%	4.91%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.30%	6.22%	-2.92%

BALT vs. BSCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALT has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than BSCS's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALT vs. BSCS - Dividend Comparison

BALT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BSCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.45%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BALT Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BSCS Invesco BulletShares 2028 Corporate Bond ETF	4.45%	4.46%	4.54%	3.90%	2.72%	2.14%	2.50%	3.04%	1.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALT and BSCS in my portfolio?

BALT and BSCS have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BALT or BSCS?

BSCS has higher volatility (0.37%) compared to BALT (0.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BALT dropped -4.89% vs BSCS's -18.40%.

Which ETF is better, BALT or BSCS?

On 3-year performance, BALT leads with 7.18% vs 5.63% for BSCS. On fees, BSCS is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, BALT has been the lower-risk option at 0.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BALT or BSCS?

Over the 3-year period, BALT has performed better with a 7.18% return vs 5.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BALT or BSCS?

BSCS is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BALT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BALT or BSCS?

BSCS has the higher dividend yield at 4.45%, compared with 0.00% for BALT.

What is the main difference between BALT and BSCS?

BALT is categorized as Defined Outcome, while BSCS is Corporate Bonds. BALT tracks S&P 500, while BSCS tracks NASDAQ BulletShares USD Corporate Bond 2028 TR Index. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BALT and 0.10% for BSCS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BALT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.20 vs 2.88), 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.