BUFF vs. SFLR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) and SFLR (Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFF is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index, while SFLR is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Innovator. BUFF is passively managed, while SFLR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUFF returned 12.47%/yr vs 16.02%/yr for SFLR. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.89% expense ratio.

Performance

BUFF vs. SFLR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BUFF having a 5.42% return and SFLR slightly higher at 5.55%.

BUFF

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

SFLR

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 5.55%
• 6M: 5.78%
• 1Y: 19.44%
• 3Y*: 16.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFF vs. SFLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.42%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	2.35%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	5.55%	13.29%	19.99%	21.20%	1.38%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFF and SFLR is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2022	0.87

The correlation between BUFF and SFLR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

BUFF vs. SFLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUFF	SFLR
Technology	36.2%	35.5%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.3%
Communication Services	10.9%	11.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.0%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.5%
Industrials	8.1%	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.8%
Energy	3.5%	3.7%
Utilities	2.3%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.6%
Basic Materials	1.8%	2.1%

Return for Risk

BUFF vs. SFLR — 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

SFLR

SFLR Risk / Return Rank: 64
SFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. SFLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) and Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR). 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	SFLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.80	2.20	+0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.24	2.98	+1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.42	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	2.87	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.50	11.73	+9.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUFF vs. SFLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFF Sharpe Ratio is 2.80, which is comparable to the SFLR Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFF and SFLR, 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

	BUFF	SFLR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.80	2.20	+0.61
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	1.71	-1.22

Drawdowns

BUFF vs. SFLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFF drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than SFLR's maximum drawdown of -12.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFF and SFLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFF	SFLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-12.13%	-34.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.58%	-6.79%	+3.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.24%	-12.13%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-0.38%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.18%	-1.74%	-4.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	1.66%	-0.99%

Volatility

BUFF vs. SFLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) is 1.02%, while Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR) has a volatility of 1.87%. This indicates that BUFF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SFLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFF	SFLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.02%	1.87%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.83%	6.46%	-2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.15%	8.89%	-3.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.41%	10.15%	-1.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.67%	10.15%	+7.52%

BUFF vs. SFLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

BUFF vs. SFLR - Dividend Comparison

BUFF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SFLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%.

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%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	0.32%	0.33%	0.42%	1.16%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFF and SFLR in my portfolio?

BUFF and SFLR have a correlation of 0.82, 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 SFLR?

SFLR has higher volatility (1.87%) compared to BUFF (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFF dropped -46.23% vs SFLR's -12.13%.

Which ETF is better, BUFF or SFLR?

On 3-year performance, SFLR leads with 16.02% vs 12.47% for BUFF. Both ETFs have the same 0.89% expense ratio. On volatility, BUFF has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFF or SFLR?

Over the 3-year period, SFLR has performed better with a 16.02% return vs 12.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFF or SFLR?

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

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

SFLR has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.00% for BUFF.

What is the main difference between BUFF and SFLR?

BUFF is categorized as Defined Outcome, while SFLR is Options Trading.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.80 vs 2.20), 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.