BUFF vs. XBAP

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) and XBAP (Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. BUFF is passively managed, while XBAP is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUFF returned 8.76%/yr vs 9.83%/yr for XBAP. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for XBAP.

Performance

BUFF vs. XBAP - 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 Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April (XBAP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFF achieves a 5.48% return, which is significantly lower than XBAP's 7.97% return.

BUFF

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 0.54%
• YTD: 5.48%
• 6M: 5.60%
• 1Y: 14.50%
• 3Y*: 11.82%
• 5Y*: 8.76%
• 10Y*: —

XBAP

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 7.97%
• 6M: 8.39%
• 1Y: 15.46%
• 3Y*: 13.24%
• 5Y*: 9.83%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFF vs. XBAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.48%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-4.44%	5.54%
XBAP Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April	7.97%	13.38%	11.55%	20.53%	-7.59%	7.65%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFF and XBAP is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2021	0.86

The correlation between BUFF and XBAP shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.87 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BUFF vs. XBAP — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 89
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 91
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

XBAP

XBAP Risk / Return Rank: 98
XBAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
XBAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
XBAP Omega Ratio Rank: 98
XBAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
XBAP 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.

BUFF vs. XBAP - 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 Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April (XBAP). 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	XBAP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.76	4.30	-1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.15	7.84	-3.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	2.12	-0.55
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.04	11.93	-7.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.08	69.58	-48.49

BUFF vs. XBAP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFF Sharpe Ratio is 2.76, which is lower than the XBAP Sharpe Ratio of 4.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFF and XBAP, 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. XBAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFF drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, which is greater than XBAP's maximum drawdown of -14.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFF and XBAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFF	XBAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-14.57%	-31.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.58%	-1.30%	-2.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.24%	-8.25%	-1.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.24%	-14.57%	+4.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.33%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.15%	-1.73%	-4.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.68%	0.22%	+0.46%

Volatility

BUFF vs. XBAP - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) has a higher volatility of 1.71% compared to Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April (XBAP) at 1.54%. This indicates that BUFF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XBAP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFF	XBAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.71%	1.54%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.09%	2.91%	+1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.25%	3.60%	+1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.44%	9.98%	-1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.64%	9.84%	+7.80%

BUFF vs. XBAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

BUFF vs. XBAP - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFF nor XBAP 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%
XBAP Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April	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 XBAP in my portfolio?

BUFF and XBAP have a correlation of 0.73, 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 XBAP?

BUFF has higher volatility (1.71%) compared to XBAP (1.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFF dropped -46.23% vs XBAP's -14.57%.

Which ETF is better, BUFF or XBAP?

On 5-year performance, XBAP leads with 9.83% vs 8.76% for BUFF. On fees, XBAP is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, XBAP has been the lower-risk option at 1.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFF or XBAP?

Over the 5-year period, XBAP has performed better with a 9.83% return vs 8.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFF or XBAP?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFF and XBAP?

Their fees differ too: 0.89% for BUFF and 0.79% for XBAP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.30 vs 2.76), 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.