BSTP vs. SAUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and SAUG (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August) are both Options Trading funds. BSTP is passively managed, while SAUG is actively managed. Over the past year, BSTP returned 16.71% vs 19.51% for SAUG. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BSTP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for SAUG.

Performance

BSTP vs. SAUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG). 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 lower than SAUG's 7.65% return.

BSTP

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

SAUG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 7.65%
• 6M: 7.95%
• 1Y: 19.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BSTP vs. SAUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	6.07%	11.80%	16.70%	5.79%
SAUG FT Cboe Vest U.S. Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August	7.65%	8.23%	11.08%	6.26%

Correlation

The correlation between BSTP and SAUG is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 22, 2023	0.76

The correlation between BSTP and SAUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSTP vs. SAUG — 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

SAUG

SAUG Risk / Return Rank: 72
SAUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SAUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SAUG Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SAUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SAUG Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. SAUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG). 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	SAUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.05	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	3.11	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.39	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	4.78	-2.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.18	15.56	-2.38
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. SAUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSTP Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the SAUG Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSTP and SAUG, 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	SAUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	2.05	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	1.03	-0.12

Drawdowns

BSTP vs. SAUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSTP drawdown since its inception was -16.69%, which is greater than SAUG's maximum drawdown of -14.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSTP and SAUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSTP	SAUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.69%	-14.62%	-2.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-4.10%	-2.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-0.19%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-2.24%	-1.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.27%	1.26%	+0.01%

Volatility

BSTP vs. SAUG - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) has a higher volatility of 1.52% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG) at 1.22%. This indicates that BSTP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SAUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSTP	SAUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.52%	1.22%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.15%	5.41%	+0.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.93%	9.59%	-1.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.11%	11.81%	+0.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.11%	11.81%	+0.30%

BSTP vs. SAUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSTP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than SAUG's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

BSTP vs. SAUG - Dividend Comparison

Neither BSTP nor SAUG has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSTP and SAUG in my portfolio?

BSTP and SAUG have a correlation of 0.76, 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 SAUG?

BSTP has higher volatility (1.52%) compared to SAUG (1.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSTP dropped -16.69% vs SAUG's -14.62%.

Which ETF is better, BSTP or SAUG?

On 1-year performance, SAUG leads with 19.51% vs 16.71% for BSTP. On fees, BSTP is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, SAUG has been the lower-risk option at 1.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSTP or SAUG?

Over the 1-year period, SAUG has performed better with a 19.51% return vs 16.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSTP or SAUG?

BSTP is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for SAUG.

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

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

What is the main difference between BSTP and SAUG?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BSTP and 0.90% for SAUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSTP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 2.05), 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.