BUFB vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BUFB (Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator - BUFB tracks the MerQube U.S. Large Cap Equity Buffer Laddered Index - Benchmark TR Gross while BUFF tracks the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUFB returned 15.14%/yr vs 12.10%/yr for BUFF. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.89% expense ratio.

Performance

BUFB vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFB achieves a 6.82% return, which is significantly higher than BUFF's 5.42% return.

BUFB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 6.82%
• 6M: 7.04%
• 1Y: 18.84%
• 3Y*: 15.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.44%
• 1Y: 14.44%
• 3Y*: 12.10%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFB vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	6.82%	13.42%	16.37%	20.50%	-8.23%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.42%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-3.28%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFB and BUFF 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 9, 2022	0.92

The correlation between BUFB and BUFF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFB vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFB

BUFB Risk / Return Rank: 83
BUFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
BUFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
BUFB Omega Ratio Rank: 85
BUFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFB Martin Ratio Rank: 89

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 89
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 91
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

BUFB vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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.

	BUFB	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	2.76	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.57	4.16	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.57	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	4.05	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.19	21.13	-1.94

BUFB vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFB Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFB and BUFF, 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

BUFB vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFB drawdown since its inception was -14.88%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFB and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFB	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.88%	-46.23%	+31.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.12%	-3.58%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	-10.24%	-3.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-0.27%	-0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.85%	-6.15%	+3.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.98%	0.68%	+0.30%

Volatility

BUFB vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) has a higher volatility of 2.47% compared to Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) at 1.66%. This indicates that BUFB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFB	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.47%	1.66%	+0.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.16%	4.08%	+2.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.69%	5.26%	+2.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.99%	8.44%	+3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.99%	17.63%	-5.64%

BUFB vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BUFB and BUFF have an expense ratio of 0.89%.

Dividends

BUFB vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFB nor BUFF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFB and BUFF in my portfolio?

BUFB and BUFF 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, BUFB or BUFF?

BUFB has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to BUFF (1.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFB dropped -14.88% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, BUFB or BUFF?

On 3-year performance, BUFB leads with 15.14% vs 12.10% for BUFF. Both ETFs have the same 0.89% expense ratio. On volatility, BUFF has been the lower-risk option at 1.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFB or BUFF?

Over the 3-year period, BUFB has performed better with a 15.14% return vs 12.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFB or BUFF?

BUFB and BUFF have the same expense ratio: 0.89% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFB or BUFF?

BUFB and BUFF have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUFB and BUFF?

BUFB tracks MerQube U.S. Large Cap Equity Buffer Laddered Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while BUFF tracks Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.76 vs 2.47), 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.