BALT vs. JULB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BALT (Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. BALT is passively managed, while JULB is actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BALT charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

BALT vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BALT achieves a 1.91% return, which is significantly lower than JULB's 6.35% return.

BALT

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 1.91%
• 6M: 2.81%
• 1Y: 6.95%
• 3Y*: 7.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 6.35%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BALT vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BALT Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF	1.91%	2.20%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.35%	2.56%

Correlation

The correlation between BALT and JULB is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

BALT vs. JULB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BALT

BALT Risk / Return Rank: 92
BALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
BALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
BALT Omega Ratio Rank: 93
BALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
BALT Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). 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.

	BALT	JULB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.19	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.88	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.05	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.58	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BALT	JULB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.19	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.80	2.17	-0.37

Drawdowns

BALT vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALT drawdown since its inception was -4.89%, smaller than the maximum JULB drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALT and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALT	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.89%	-5.24%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.06%	-0.07%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.34%	-0.87%	+0.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.31%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALT	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.37%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.56%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.19%	6.81%	-4.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.32%	6.81%	-3.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.32%	6.81%	-3.49%

BALT vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALT has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than JULB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALT vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither BALT nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALT and JULB in my portfolio?

BALT and JULB have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BALT or JULB?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BALT or JULB?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BALT.

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

BALT and JULB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BALT and JULB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BALT and 0.25% for JULB.