BSTP vs. POCT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and POCT (Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October) are both exchange-traded funds - BSTP is a Options Trading fund tracking the S&P 500, while POCT is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 15% Buffer Protect October Series Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BSTP returned 13.39%/yr vs 11.57%/yr for POCT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BSTP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for POCT.

Performance

BSTP vs. POCT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with BSTP at 4.83% and POCT at 4.83%.

BSTP

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: -0.49%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 4.35%
• 1Y: 14.54%
• 3Y*: 13.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

POCT

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 4.49%
• 1Y: 13.26%
• 3Y*: 11.57%
• 5Y*: 9.65%
• 10Y*: —

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

BSTP vs. POCT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	4.83%	11.80%	16.70%	18.14%	-5.05%
POCT Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October	4.83%	11.00%	9.54%	20.12%	3.33%

Correlation

The correlation between BSTP and POCT is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	0.92

The correlation between BSTP and POCT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSTP vs. POCT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 58
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 60
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 66

POCT

POCT Risk / Return Rank: 74
POCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
POCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
POCT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
POCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
POCT Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. POCT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October (POCT). 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	POCT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.16	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	3.08	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.43	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	3.03	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.17	15.34	-4.17

BSTP vs. POCT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSTP Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the POCT Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSTP and POCT, 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. POCT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSTP drawdown since its inception was -16.69%, smaller than the maximum POCT drawdown of -18.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSTP and POCT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSTP	POCT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.69%	-18.80%	+2.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-4.40%	-1.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	-10.22%	-3.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-0.90%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.49%	-1.49%	-2.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	0.87%	+0.44%

Volatility

BSTP vs. POCT - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) has a higher volatility of 2.92% compared to Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October (POCT) at 1.80%. This indicates that BSTP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than POCT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSTP	POCT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.92%	1.80%	+1.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.61%	4.96%	+1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.30%	6.19%	+2.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.10%	7.97%	+4.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.10%	10.21%	+1.89%

BSTP vs. POCT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSTP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than POCT's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSTP vs. POCT - Dividend Comparison

Neither BSTP nor POCT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
POCT Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSTP and POCT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, BSTP and POCT 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, BSTP or POCT?

BSTP has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to POCT (1.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSTP dropped -16.69% vs POCT's -18.80%.

Which ETF is better, BSTP or POCT?

On 3-year performance, BSTP leads with 13.39% vs 11.57% for POCT. On fees, POCT is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, POCT has been the lower-risk option at 1.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSTP or POCT?

Over the 3-year period, BSTP has performed better with a 13.39% return vs 11.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSTP or POCT?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between BSTP and POCT?

BSTP is categorized as Options Trading, while POCT is Defined Outcome. BSTP tracks S&P 500, while POCT tracks Cboe S&P 500 15% Buffer Protect October Series Index. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BSTP and 0.79% for POCT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

POCT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.76), 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.