BSTP vs. HEQT

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and HEQT (Simplify Hedged Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BSTP is a Options Trading fund tracking the S&P 500, while HEQT is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by Simplify. BSTP is passively managed, while HEQT is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BSTP returned 13.52%/yr vs 13.12%/yr for HEQT. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BSTP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for HEQT.

Performance

BSTP vs. HEQT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSTP achieves a 5.81% return, which is significantly higher than HEQT's 4.98% return.

BSTP

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 5.81%
• 6M: 6.14%
• 1Y: 16.25%
• 3Y*: 13.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HEQT

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 4.98%
• 6M: 5.41%
• 1Y: 14.24%
• 3Y*: 13.12%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BSTP vs. HEQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	5.81%	11.80%	16.70%	18.14%	-5.05%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	4.98%	10.08%	18.30%	16.61%	-1.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BSTP and HEQT is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	0.91

The correlation between BSTP and HEQT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSTP vs. HEQT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 62
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 66
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 70

HEQT

HEQT Risk / Return Rank: 69
HEQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
HEQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
HEQT Omega Ratio Rank: 77
HEQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
HEQT Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

BSTP vs. HEQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). 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.

	BSTP	HEQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.11	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	2.98	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.43	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	2.74	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.40	12.41	-0.01

BSTP vs. HEQT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSTP Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the HEQT Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSTP and HEQT, 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

BSTP vs. HEQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSTP drawdown since its inception was -16.69%, which is greater than HEQT's maximum drawdown of -11.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSTP and HEQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSTP	HEQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.69%	-11.51%	-5.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-5.09%	-1.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	-10.57%	-3.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-0.21%	-0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-2.77%	-0.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.30%	1.12%	+0.18%

Volatility

BSTP vs. HEQT - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) has a higher volatility of 2.85% compared to Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) at 1.91%. This indicates that BSTP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HEQT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSTP	HEQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.85%	1.91%	+0.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.65%	5.53%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.26%	6.61%	+1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.11%	8.47%	+3.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.11%	8.47%	+3.64%

BSTP vs. HEQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSTP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than HEQT's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSTP vs. HEQT - Dividend Comparison

BSTP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HEQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	1.19%	1.19%	1.29%	4.10%	3.94%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSTP and HEQT in my portfolio?

BSTP and HEQT have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BSTP or HEQT?

BSTP has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to HEQT (1.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSTP dropped -16.69% vs HEQT's -11.51%.

Which ETF is better, BSTP or HEQT?

On 3-year performance, BSTP leads with 13.52% vs 13.12% for HEQT. On fees, HEQT is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, HEQT has been the lower-risk option at 1.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSTP or HEQT?

Over the 3-year period, BSTP has performed better with a 13.52% return vs 13.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSTP or HEQT?

HEQT is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BSTP.

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

HEQT has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.00% for BSTP.

What is the main difference between BSTP and HEQT?

BSTP is categorized as Options Trading, while HEQT is Equity Hedged. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BSTP and 0.43% for HEQT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.96), 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.