BSTP vs. SFLR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and SFLR (Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF) are both Options Trading funds from Innovator. BSTP is passively managed, while SFLR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BSTP returned 13.39%/yr vs 14.80%/yr for SFLR. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.89% expense ratio.

Performance

BSTP vs. SFLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR). 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 SFLR's 3.43% return.

BSTP

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

SFLR

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -0.63%
• YTD: 3.43%
• 6M: 3.07%
• 1Y: 15.38%
• 3Y*: 14.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BSTP vs. SFLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	4.83%	11.80%	16.70%	18.14%	0.85%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	3.43%	13.29%	19.99%	21.20%	0.42%

Correlation

The correlation between BSTP and SFLR is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2022	0.92

The correlation between BSTP and SFLR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BSTP vs. SFLR — 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

SFLR

SFLR Risk / Return Rank: 49
SFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 51
SFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
SFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. SFLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) and Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR). 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	SFLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.59	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.15	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.30	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	2.27	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.17	8.91	+2.26

BSTP vs. SFLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSTP Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the SFLR Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSTP and SFLR, 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. SFLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSTP drawdown since its inception was -16.69%, which is greater than SFLR's maximum drawdown of -12.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSTP and SFLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSTP	SFLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.69%	-12.13%	-4.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.23%	-6.79%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	-12.13%	-1.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-2.61%	+1.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.49%	-1.75%	-1.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	1.73%	-0.42%

Volatility

BSTP vs. SFLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) is 2.92%, while Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR) has a volatility of 4.37%. This indicates that BSTP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SFLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSTP	SFLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.92%	4.37%	-1.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.61%	7.51%	-0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.30%	9.72%	-1.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.10%	10.32%	+1.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.10%	10.32%	+1.78%

BSTP vs. SFLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

BSTP vs. SFLR - Dividend Comparison

BSTP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SFLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	0.33%	0.33%	0.42%	1.16%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSTP and SFLR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, BSTP and SFLR 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 SFLR?

SFLR has higher volatility (4.37%) compared to BSTP (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSTP dropped -16.69% vs SFLR's -12.13%.

Which ETF is better, BSTP or SFLR?

On 3-year performance, SFLR leads with 14.80% vs 13.39% 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 SFLR?

Over the 3-year period, SFLR has performed better with a 14.80% return vs 13.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSTP or SFLR?

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

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

SFLR has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.00% for BSTP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSTP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.59), 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.