BUFB vs. RBIL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFB (Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF) and RBIL (F/m Ultrashort Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS) 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 RBIL is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg US Ultrashort TIPS 1-13 Months Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BUFB returned 19.07% vs 4.57% for RBIL. At a correlation of -0.24, they often move in opposite directions. BUFB charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for RBIL.

Performance

BUFB vs. RBIL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and F/m Ultrashort Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS) ETF (RBIL). 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 RBIL's 2.70% return.

BUFB

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

RBIL

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 2.70%
• 6M: 2.79%
• 1Y: 4.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFB vs. RBIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	7.03%	12.03%
RBIL F/m Ultrashort Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS) ETF	2.70%	2.91%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFB and RBIL is -0.29, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2025	-0.24

Return for Risk

BUFB vs. RBIL — 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

RBIL

RBIL Risk / Return Rank: 98
RBIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
RBIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
RBIL Omega Ratio Rank: 98
RBIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
RBIL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. RBIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) and F/m Ultrashort Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS) ETF (RBIL). 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	RBIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	5.01	-2.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	7.92	-4.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	2.39	-0.88
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.74	17.00	-13.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.82	70.66	-50.84
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. RBIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFB Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is lower than the RBIL Sharpe Ratio of 5.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFB and RBIL, 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	RBIL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55	5.01	-2.46
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	4.28	-3.37

Drawdowns

BUFB vs. RBIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFB drawdown since its inception was -14.88%, which is greater than RBIL's maximum drawdown of -0.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFB and RBIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFB	RBIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.88%	-0.50%	-14.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.12%	-0.27%	-4.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	0.00%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.88%	-0.06%	-2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.96%	0.07%	+0.89%

Volatility

BUFB vs. RBIL - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF (BUFB) has a higher volatility of 1.33% compared to F/m Ultrashort Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS) ETF (RBIL) at 0.30%. This indicates that BUFB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RBIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFB	RBIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	0.30%	+1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.76%	0.79%	+4.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.51%	0.92%	+6.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.01%	1.05%	+10.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.01%	1.05%	+10.96%

BUFB vs. RBIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFB has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than RBIL's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFB vs. RBIL - Dividend Comparison

BUFB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while RBIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFB Innovator Laddered Allocation Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
RBIL F/m Ultrashort Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS) ETF	4.60%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFB and RBIL in my portfolio?

BUFB and RBIL have a correlation of -0.29, 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 RBIL?

BUFB has higher volatility (1.33%) compared to RBIL (0.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFB dropped -14.88% vs RBIL's -0.50%.

Which ETF is better, BUFB or RBIL?

On 1-year performance, BUFB leads with 19.07% vs 4.57% for RBIL. On fees, RBIL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, RBIL has been the lower-risk option at 0.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFB or RBIL?

Over the 1-year period, BUFB has performed better with a 19.07% return vs 4.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFB or RBIL?

RBIL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFB.

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

RBIL has the higher dividend yield at 4.60%, compared with 0.00% for BUFB.

What is the main difference between BUFB and RBIL?

BUFB is categorized as Defined Outcome, while RBIL is Inflation-Protected Bonds. BUFB tracks MerQube U.S. Large Cap Equity Buffer Laddered Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while RBIL tracks Bloomberg US Ultrashort TIPS 1-13 Months Index. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and F/m. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BUFB and 0.17% for RBIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RBIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.01 vs 2.55), 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.