BFRZ vs. SMAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BFRZ (Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF) and SMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BFRZ returned 8.04% vs 9.17% for SMAX. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BFRZ charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SMAX.

Performance

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF (BFRZ) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BFRZ achieves a 1.49% return, which is significantly lower than SMAX's 3.09% return.

BFRZ

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 2.76%
• YTD: 1.49%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: 8.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMAX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 1.09%
• YTD: 3.09%
• 6M: 3.54%
• 1Y: 9.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BFRZ Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF	1.49%	7.39%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	3.09%	6.70%

Correlation

The correlation between BFRZ and SMAX is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2025	0.60

The correlation between BFRZ and SMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BFRZ vs. SMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BFRZ

BFRZ Risk / Return Rank: 48
BFRZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
BFRZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
BFRZ Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BFRZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
BFRZ Martin Ratio Rank: 45

SMAX

SMAX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
SMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF (BFRZ) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). 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.

	BFRZ	SMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	3.46	-1.84
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	5.32	-3.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.75	-0.44
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	4.81	-2.22
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.31	26.11	-18.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BFRZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is lower than the SMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BFRZ and SMAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BFRZ	SMAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	3.46	-1.84
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.75	2.01	-0.26

Drawdowns

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BFRZ drawdown since its inception was -3.12%, smaller than the maximum SMAX drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BFRZ and SMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BFRZ	SMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.12%	-3.90%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.12%	-1.91%	-1.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-0.09%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-0.40%	-0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.10%	0.35%	+0.75%

Volatility

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF (BFRZ) has a higher volatility of 1.16% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) at 0.38%. This indicates that BFRZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BFRZ	SMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.16%	0.38%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.72%	2.10%	+1.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.99%	2.67%	+2.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.88%	3.67%	+1.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.88%	3.67%	+1.21%

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFRZ has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than SMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFRZ vs. SMAX - Dividend Comparison

BFRZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.26%, less than SMAX's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BFRZ Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF	0.26%	0.20%	0.00%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	0.95%	0.98%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BFRZ and SMAX in my portfolio?

BFRZ and SMAX have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BFRZ or SMAX?

BFRZ has higher volatility (1.16%) compared to SMAX (0.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BFRZ dropped -3.12% vs SMAX's -3.90%.

Which ETF is better, BFRZ or SMAX?

On 1-year performance, SMAX leads with 9.17% vs 8.04% for BFRZ. On fees, SMAX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BFRZ or SMAX?

Over the 1-year period, SMAX has performed better with a 9.17% return vs 8.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BFRZ or SMAX?

SMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BFRZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BFRZ or SMAX?

SMAX has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.26% for BFRZ.

What is the main difference between BFRZ and SMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BFRZ and 0.50% for SMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.46 vs 1.62), 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.