BUFF vs. PFIIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) and PFIIX (PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund) are both funds - BUFF is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index, while PFIIX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by PIMCO. Over the past 5 years, BUFF returned 8.52%/yr vs 4.08%/yr for PFIIX. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUFF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PFIIX.

Performance

BUFF vs. PFIIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFF achieves a 4.91% return, which is significantly higher than PFIIX's 1.34% return.

BUFF

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 4.62%
• 1Y: 13.10%
• 3Y*: 11.92%
• 5Y*: 8.52%
• 10Y*: —

PFIIX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 1.34%
• 6M: 1.68%
• 1Y: 6.99%
• 3Y*: 7.27%
• 5Y*: 4.08%
• 10Y*: 4.90%

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

BUFF vs. PFIIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	4.91%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-4.44%	8.37%	-12.08%	32.32%	-7.04%	15.63%
PFIIX PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund	1.34%	9.56%	6.58%	7.78%	-5.29%	2.38%	4.84%	6.72%	1.56%	6.05%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFF and PFIIX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2016	0.34

Return for Risk

BUFF vs. PFIIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 85
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

PFIIX

PFIIX Risk / Return Rank: 85
PFIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
PFIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PFIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PFIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
PFIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. PFIIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) and PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund (PFIIX). 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.

	BUFF	PFIIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	2.59	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	4.24	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.61	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	3.33	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.13	14.18	+4.95

BUFF vs. PFIIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFF Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is comparable to the PFIIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFF and PFIIX, 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

BUFF vs. PFIIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFF drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than PFIIX's maximum drawdown of -28.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFF and PFIIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFF	PFIIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-28.35%	-17.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.58%	-2.16%	-1.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.24%	-2.23%	-8.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.24%	-8.84%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-11.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.36%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.15%	-2.60%	-3.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	0.50%	+0.19%

Volatility

BUFF vs. PFIIX - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) has a higher volatility of 1.73% compared to PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund (PFIIX) at 0.83%. This indicates that BUFF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PFIIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFF	PFIIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.73%	0.83%	+0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.11%	2.23%	+1.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.27%	2.78%	+2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.44%	3.18%	+5.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.63%	3.16%	+14.47%

BUFF vs. PFIIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFF has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than PFIIX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFF vs. PFIIX - Dividend Comparison

BUFF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PFIIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.28%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
PFIIX PIMCO Low Duration Income Fund	5.28%	5.49%	5.37%	4.97%	5.35%	3.06%	3.44%	4.74%	3.22%	3.13%	3.75%	5.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFF and PFIIX in my portfolio?

BUFF and PFIIX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFF or PFIIX?

BUFF has higher volatility (1.73%) compared to PFIIX (0.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFF dropped -46.23% vs PFIIX's -28.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PFIIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.51), 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.