BAPR vs. BSTP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BAPR (Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April) and BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BAPR is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index April, while BSTP is a Options Trading fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BAPR returned 14.74%/yr vs 13.67%/yr for BSTP. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BAPR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BSTP.

Performance

BAPR vs. BSTP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (BAPR) 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, BAPR achieves a 10.78% return, which is significantly higher than BSTP's 5.61% return.

BAPR

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 10.78%
• 6M: 10.81%
• 1Y: 19.95%
• 3Y*: 14.74%
• 5Y*: 11.03%
• 10Y*: —

BSTP

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 5.61%
• 6M: 5.46%
• 1Y: 16.04%
• 3Y*: 13.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BAPR vs. BSTP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BAPR Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April	10.78%	8.28%	15.95%	23.16%	-2.10%
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	5.61%	11.80%	16.70%	18.14%	-5.05%

Correlation

The correlation between BAPR and BSTP is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	0.96

The correlation between BAPR and BSTP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BAPR vs. BSTP — Risk / Return Rank

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

BAPR

BAPR Risk / Return Rank: 96
BAPR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
BAPR Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
BAPR Omega Ratio Rank: 97
BAPR Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
BAPR Martin Ratio Rank: 98

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 61
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 65
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

BAPR vs. BSTP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (BAPR) 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.

	BAPR	BSTP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.49	1.95	+1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.76	2.74	+3.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.83	1.38	+0.46
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.37	2.58	+7.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	51.30	12.35	+38.96

BAPR vs. BSTP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BAPR Sharpe Ratio is 3.49, which is higher than the BSTP Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BAPR 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

BAPR vs. BSTP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BAPR drawdown since its inception was -23.91%, which is greater than BSTP's maximum drawdown of -16.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BAPR and BSTP.

Drawdown Indicators

	BAPR	BSTP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.91%	-16.69%	-7.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.93%	-6.23%	+4.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.58%	-13.69%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.58%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-0.75%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.58%	-3.49%	+0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.39%	1.30%	-0.91%

Volatility

BAPR vs. BSTP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (BAPR) is 1.93%, while Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) has a volatility of 2.83%. This indicates that BAPR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BSTP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BAPR	BSTP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.93%	2.83%	-0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.85%	6.58%	-1.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.76%	8.28%	-2.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.51%	12.10%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.09%	12.10%	+0.99%

BAPR vs. BSTP - Expense Ratio Comparison

BAPR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BSTP's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

BAPR vs. BSTP - Dividend Comparison

Neither BAPR nor BSTP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BAPR and BSTP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BAPR 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, BAPR or BSTP?

BSTP has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to BAPR (1.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BAPR dropped -23.91% vs BSTP's -16.69%.

Which ETF is better, BAPR or BSTP?

On 3-year performance, BAPR leads with 14.74% vs 13.67% for BSTP. On fees, BAPR is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BAPR has been the lower-risk option at 1.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BAPR or BSTP?

Over the 3-year period, BAPR has performed better with a 14.74% return vs 13.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BAPR or BSTP?

BAPR is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BSTP.

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

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

What is the main difference between BAPR and BSTP?

BAPR is categorized as Defined Outcome, while BSTP is Options Trading. BAPR tracks Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index April, while BSTP tracks S&P 500. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for BAPR and 0.89% for BSTP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BAPR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.49 vs 1.95), 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.