BUFF vs. JANB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) and JANB (Aptus January Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. BUFF is passively managed, while JANB is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JANB.

Performance

BUFF vs. JANB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFF achieves a 5.42% return, which is significantly lower than JANB's 6.08% return.

BUFF

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 1.68%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.90%
• 1Y: 14.36%
• 3Y*: 12.47%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: —

JANB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 2.38%
• YTD: 6.08%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFF vs. JANB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.42%	2.26%
JANB Aptus January Buffer ETF	6.08%	2.69%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFF and JANB is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

BUFF vs. JANB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

BUFF vs. JANB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	BUFF	JANB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.80	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.24	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.50	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFF	JANB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.80	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.04	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	1.97	-1.47

Drawdowns

BUFF vs. JANB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFF drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than JANB's maximum drawdown of -6.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFF and JANB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFF	JANB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-6.52%	-39.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-0.22%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.18%	-1.14%	-5.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFF	JANB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.02%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.83%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.15%	7.41%	-2.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.41%	7.41%	+1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.67%	7.41%	+10.26%

BUFF vs. JANB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFF has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than JANB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFF vs. JANB - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFF nor JANB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
JANB Aptus January Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFF and JANB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, BUFF and JANB 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 ETF is better, BUFF or JANB?

On fees, JANB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFF or JANB?

JANB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFF and JANB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BUFF and 0.25% for JANB.