BSTP vs. ISWN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and ISWN (Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF) are both Options Trading funds - BSTP tracks the S&P 500 while ISWN tracks the S-Network International BlackSwan. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BSTP returned 14.35%/yr vs 8.12%/yr for ISWN. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BSTP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for ISWN.

Performance

BSTP vs. ISWN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSTP achieves a 6.07% return, which is significantly higher than ISWN's 4.28% return.

BSTP

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 3.05%
• YTD: 6.07%
• 6M: 6.56%
• 1Y: 16.71%
• 3Y*: 14.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISWN

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 2.01%
• YTD: 4.28%
• 6M: 4.94%
• 1Y: 13.27%
• 3Y*: 8.12%
• 5Y*: -0.37%
• 10Y*: —

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

BSTP vs. ISWN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	6.07%	11.80%	16.70%	18.14%	-4.95%
ISWN Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF	4.28%	23.23%	-3.96%	8.19%	-17.48%

Correlation

The correlation between BSTP and ISWN is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 9, 2022	0.54

The correlation between BSTP and ISWN shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (all time) to 0.64 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BSTP vs. ISWN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BSTP	ISWN
Technology	36.2%	10.3%
Financial Services	11.9%	1.6%
Communication Services	10.9%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	7.7%
Healthcare	8.4%	10.6%
Industrials	8.1%	19.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	6.7%
Energy	3.5%	4.0%
Utilities	2.3%	4.0%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	5.9%

Return for Risk

BSTP vs. ISWN — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 65
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 69
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 71

ISWN

ISWN Risk / Return Rank: 30
ISWN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
ISWN Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
ISWN Omega Ratio Rank: 30
ISWN Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ISWN Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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. ISWN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF (ISWN). 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.

	BSTP	ISWN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	1.09	+1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	1.60	+1.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.20	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	1.38	+1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.18	4.67	+8.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BSTP vs. ISWN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSTP Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is higher than the ISWN Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSTP and ISWN, 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

	BSTP	ISWN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	1.09	+1.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	0.01	+0.90

Drawdowns

BSTP vs. ISWN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSTP drawdown since its inception was -16.69%, smaller than the maximum ISWN drawdown of -32.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSTP and ISWN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSTP	ISWN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.69%	-32.35%	+15.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-9.63%	+3.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	-13.77%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-4.03%	+3.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-16.17%	+12.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.27%	2.85%	-1.58%

Volatility

BSTP vs. ISWN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) is 1.52%, while Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF (ISWN) has a volatility of 4.67%. This indicates that BSTP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISWN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSTP	ISWN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.52%	4.67%	-3.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.15%	10.10%	-3.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.93%	12.20%	-4.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.11%	11.67%	+0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.11%	11.57%	+0.54%

BSTP vs. ISWN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSTP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than ISWN's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSTP vs. ISWN - Dividend Comparison

BSTP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ISWN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%.

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%
ISWN Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF	2.82%	2.89%	3.27%	2.91%	2.00%	0.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSTP and ISWN in my portfolio?

BSTP and ISWN have a correlation of 0.64, 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 ISWN?

ISWN has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to BSTP (1.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSTP dropped -16.69% vs ISWN's -32.35%.

Which ETF is better, BSTP or ISWN?

On 3-year performance, BSTP leads with 14.35% vs 8.12% for ISWN. On fees, ISWN is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, BSTP has been the lower-risk option at 1.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSTP or ISWN?

Over the 3-year period, BSTP has performed better with a 14.35% return vs 8.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSTP or ISWN?

ISWN is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BSTP.

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

ISWN has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 0.00% for BSTP.

What is the main difference between BSTP and ISWN?

BSTP tracks S&P 500, while ISWN tracks S-Network International BlackSwan. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Amplify. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BSTP and 0.49% for ISWN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSTP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.09), 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.