BSTP vs. QFLR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and QFLR (Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BSTP is a Options Trading fund tracking the S&P 500, while QFLR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Innovator. BSTP is passively managed, while QFLR is actively managed. Over the past year, BSTP returned 14.54% vs 20.74% for QFLR. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.89% expense ratio.

Performance

BSTP vs. QFLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSTP achieves a 4.83% return, which is significantly higher than QFLR's 3.27% return.

BSTP

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

QFLR

• 1D: -2.77%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 3.27%
• 6M: 2.61%
• 1Y: 20.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BSTP vs. QFLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	4.83%	11.80%	14.80%
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	3.27%	17.27%	16.30%

Correlation

The correlation between BSTP and QFLR is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2024	0.86

The correlation between BSTP and QFLR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSTP vs. QFLR — 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

QFLR

QFLR Risk / Return Rank: 54
QFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 53
QFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
QFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. QFLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR). 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	QFLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.63	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.18	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.31	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.74	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.17	10.85	+0.32

BSTP vs. QFLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSTP Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the QFLR Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSTP and QFLR, 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. QFLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSTP drawdown since its inception was -16.69%, which is greater than QFLR's maximum drawdown of -13.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSTP and QFLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSTP	QFLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.69%	-13.97%	-2.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-7.61%	+1.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-3.86%	+2.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.49%	-2.50%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	1.92%	-0.61%

Volatility

BSTP vs. QFLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) is 2.92%, while Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) has a volatility of 6.59%. This indicates that BSTP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QFLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSTP	QFLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.92%	6.59%	-3.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.61%	9.90%	-3.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.30%	12.77%	-4.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.10%	13.13%	-1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.10%	13.13%	-1.03%

BSTP vs. QFLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BSTP and QFLR have an expense ratio of 0.89%.

Dividends

BSTP vs. QFLR - Dividend Comparison

Neither BSTP nor QFLR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	0.00%	0.02%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSTP and QFLR in my portfolio?

BSTP and QFLR have a correlation of 0.87, 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 QFLR?

QFLR has higher volatility (6.59%) compared to BSTP (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSTP dropped -16.69% vs QFLR's -13.97%.

Which ETF is better, BSTP or QFLR?

On 1-year performance, QFLR leads with 20.74% vs 14.54% for BSTP. Both ETFs have the same 0.89% expense ratio. On volatility, BSTP has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSTP or QFLR?

Over the 1-year period, QFLR has performed better with a 20.74% return vs 14.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSTP or QFLR?

BSTP and QFLR have the same expense ratio: 0.89% per year.

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

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

What is the main difference between BSTP and QFLR?

BSTP is categorized as Options Trading, while QFLR is Nasdaq-100.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSTP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.63), 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.