BUFB vs. IVVM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFB (Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF) and IVVM (iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the MerQube U.S. Large Cap Equity Buffer Laddered Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while IVVM is a Options Trading fund actively managed by iShares. BUFB is passively managed, while IVVM is actively managed. Over the past year, BUFB returned 19.07% vs 16.27% for IVVM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFB charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for IVVM.

Performance

BUFB vs. IVVM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFB achieves a 7.03% return, which is significantly higher than IVVM's 5.95% return.

BUFB

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 2.46%
• YTD: 7.03%
• 6M: 7.78%
• 1Y: 19.07%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IVVM

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.95%
• YTD: 5.95%
• 6M: 6.15%
• 1Y: 16.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFB vs. IVVM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	7.03%	13.42%	16.37%	6.22%
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	5.95%	14.24%	16.08%	5.17%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFB and IVVM 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 Jul 3, 2023	0.88

The correlation between BUFB and IVVM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

BUFB vs. IVVM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUFB	IVVM
Technology	36.2%	36.2%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.9%
Communication Services	10.9%	10.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.1%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.4%
Industrials	8.1%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

BUFB vs. IVVM — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFB

BUFB Risk / Return Rank: 81
BUFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
BUFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
BUFB Omega Ratio Rank: 84
BUFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFB Martin Ratio Rank: 89

IVVM

IVVM Risk / Return Rank: 72
IVVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
IVVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
IVVM Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IVVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IVVM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. IVVM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM). 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.

	BUFB	IVVM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	2.32	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	3.33	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.48	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.74	3.08	+0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.82	15.34	+4.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUFB vs. IVVM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFB Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is comparable to the IVVM Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFB and IVVM, 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

	BUFB	IVVM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55	2.32	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	1.49	-0.58

Drawdowns

BUFB vs. IVVM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFB drawdown since its inception was -14.88%, which is greater than IVVM's maximum drawdown of -11.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFB and IVVM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFB	IVVM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.88%	-11.62%	-3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.12%	-5.31%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-0.22%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.88%	-0.92%	-1.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.96%	1.06%	-0.10%

Volatility

BUFB vs. IVVM - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) has a higher volatility of 1.33% compared to iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) at 0.76%. This indicates that BUFB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IVVM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFB	IVVM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	0.76%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.76%	5.62%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.51%	7.04%	+0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.01%	9.62%	+2.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.01%	9.62%	+2.39%

BUFB vs. IVVM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFB has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than IVVM's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFB vs. IVVM - Dividend Comparison

BUFB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IVVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.65%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	0.65%	0.68%	0.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFB and IVVM in my portfolio?

BUFB and IVVM 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 IVVM?

BUFB has higher volatility (1.33%) compared to IVVM (0.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFB dropped -14.88% vs IVVM's -11.62%.

Which ETF is better, BUFB or IVVM?

On 1-year performance, BUFB leads with 19.07% vs 16.27% for IVVM. On fees, IVVM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IVVM has been the lower-risk option at 0.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFB or IVVM?

Over the 1-year period, BUFB has performed better with a 19.07% return vs 16.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFB or IVVM?

IVVM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFB.

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

IVVM has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.00% for BUFB.

What is the main difference between BUFB and IVVM?

BUFB is categorized as Defined Outcome, while IVVM is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BUFB and 0.50% for IVVM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 2.32), 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.