BMAR vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BMAR (Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator - BMAR tracks the S&P 500 Price Return Index while BUFF tracks the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BMAR returned 12.18%/yr vs 8.71%/yr for BUFF. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BMAR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

BMAR vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (BMAR) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BMAR achieves a 8.62% return, which is significantly higher than BUFF's 5.42% return.

BMAR

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 2.82%
• YTD: 8.62%
• 6M: 9.58%
• 1Y: 20.97%
• 3Y*: 16.97%
• 5Y*: 12.18%
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 1.68%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.90%
• 1Y: 14.36%
• 3Y*: 12.47%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

BMAR vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BMAR Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March	8.62%	14.97%	16.49%	23.09%	-7.06%	16.79%	10.88%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.42%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-4.44%	8.37%	-3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between BMAR and BUFF is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2020	0.89

The correlation between BMAR and BUFF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

BMAR vs. BUFF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BMAR	BUFF
Technology	36.2%	36.2%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.9%
Communication Services	10.9%	10.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.1%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.4%
Industrials	8.1%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

BMAR vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BMAR

BMAR Risk / Return Rank: 86
BMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
BMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
BMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 90
BMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
BMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 90

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

BMAR vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (BMAR) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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.

	BMAR	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.85	2.80	+0.05
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.13	4.24	-0.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.58	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.73	4.02	-0.29
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	20.88	21.50	-0.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BMAR vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BMAR Sharpe Ratio is 2.85, which is comparable to the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BMAR and BUFF, 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

	BMAR	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.85	2.80	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.08	1.04	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.96	0.49	+0.47

Drawdowns

BMAR vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BMAR drawdown since its inception was -21.43%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BMAR and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BMAR	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.43%	-46.23%	+24.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.64%	-3.58%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.86%	-10.24%	-2.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.02%	-10.24%	-4.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-0.27%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.34%	-6.18%	+3.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	0.67%	+0.34%

Volatility

BMAR vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (BMAR) has a higher volatility of 1.45% compared to Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) at 1.02%. This indicates that BMAR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BMAR	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.45%	1.02%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.88%	3.83%	+2.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.39%	5.15%	+2.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.32%	8.41%	+2.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.67%	17.67%	-4.00%

BMAR vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

BMAR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

BMAR vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither BMAR nor BUFF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BMAR Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BMAR and BUFF in my portfolio?

BMAR and BUFF have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BMAR or BUFF?

BMAR has higher volatility (1.45%) compared to BUFF (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BMAR dropped -21.43% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, BMAR or BUFF?

On 5-year performance, BMAR leads with 12.18% vs 8.71% for BUFF. On fees, BMAR is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BUFF has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BMAR or BUFF?

Over the 5-year period, BMAR has performed better with a 12.18% return vs 8.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BMAR or BUFF?

BMAR is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BMAR or BUFF?

BMAR and BUFF have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BMAR and BUFF?

BMAR tracks S&P 500 Price Return Index, while BUFF tracks Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for BMAR and 0.89% for BUFF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.85 vs 2.80), 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.