BUFF vs. UJAN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) and UJAN (Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator - BUFF tracks the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index while UJAN tracks the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUFF returned 8.52%/yr vs 7.77%/yr for UJAN. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for UJAN.

Performance

BUFF vs. UJAN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) and Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN). 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 UJAN's 4.12% return.

BUFF

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

UJAN

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -0.04%
• YTD: 4.12%
• 6M: 4.26%
• 1Y: 13.08%
• 3Y*: 11.65%
• 5Y*: 7.77%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFF vs. UJAN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	4.91%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-4.44%	8.37%	-12.08%	32.32%
UJAN Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January	4.12%	11.07%	13.13%	15.89%	-5.95%	5.79%	7.37%	11.15%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFF and UJAN 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2019	0.76

The correlation between BUFF and UJAN shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (all time) to 0.87 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BUFF vs. UJAN — 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

UJAN

UJAN Risk / Return Rank: 83
UJAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
UJAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
UJAN Omega Ratio Rank: 88
UJAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
UJAN Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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. UJAN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) and Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN). 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	UJAN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	2.48	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	3.61	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.51	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	3.30	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.13	17.34	+1.79

BUFF vs. UJAN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFF Sharpe Ratio is 2.51, which is comparable to the UJAN Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFF and UJAN, 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. UJAN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFF drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than UJAN's maximum drawdown of -13.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFF and UJAN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFF	UJAN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-13.69%	-32.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.58%	-3.98%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.24%	-9.03%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.24%	-9.03%	-1.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.70%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.15%	-1.55%	-4.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	0.76%	-0.07%

Volatility

BUFF vs. UJAN - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) and Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) have volatilities of 1.73% and 1.66%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFF	UJAN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.73%	1.66%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.11%	4.31%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.27%	5.33%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.44%	6.36%	+2.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.63%	7.09%	+10.54%

BUFF vs. UJAN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFF has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than UJAN's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFF vs. UJAN - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFF nor UJAN 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%
UJAN Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January	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 UJAN in my portfolio?

BUFF and UJAN 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, BUFF or UJAN?

BUFF has higher volatility (1.73%) compared to UJAN (1.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFF dropped -46.23% vs UJAN's -13.69%.

Which ETF is better, BUFF or UJAN?

On 5-year performance, BUFF leads with 8.52% vs 7.77% for UJAN. On fees, UJAN is cheaper at 0.79% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFF or UJAN?

Over the 5-year period, BUFF has performed better with a 8.52% return vs 7.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFF or UJAN?

UJAN is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFF and UJAN?

BUFF tracks Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index, while UJAN tracks S&P 500 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BUFF and 0.79% for UJAN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 2.48), 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.