BUYW vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BUYW (Main Buywrite ETF) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUYW is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Main Funds, while BUFF is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. BUYW is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUYW returned 8.61%/yr vs 12.57%/yr for BUFF. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUYW charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

BUYW vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUYW achieves a 3.03% return, which is significantly lower than BUFF's 5.70% return.

BUYW

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 3.03%
• 6M: 4.43%
• 1Y: 9.81%
• 3Y*: 8.61%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.89%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 6.36%
• 1Y: 15.04%
• 3Y*: 12.57%
• 5Y*: 8.80%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUYW vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	3.03%	9.08%	9.82%	12.80%	1.46%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.70%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-0.92%

Correlation

The correlation between BUYW and BUFF is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2022	0.64

The correlation between BUYW and BUFF shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.64 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BUYW vs. BUFF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUYW	BUFF
Technology	24.0%	36.2%
Communication Services	16.9%	10.9%
Financial Services	15.3%	11.9%
Energy	13.6%	3.5%
Healthcare	13.0%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	10.1%
Industrials	4.4%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	4.9%
Utilities	1.3%	2.3%
Basic Materials	1.0%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.9%

Return for Risk

BUYW vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUYW

BUYW Risk / Return Rank: 72
BUYW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
BUYW Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
BUYW Omega Ratio Rank: 66
BUYW Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
BUYW Martin Ratio Rank: 90

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 89
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 92
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

BUYW vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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.

	BUYW	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.94	-0.90
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	4.44	-1.34
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.61	-0.21
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.96	4.30	-0.34
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	21.21	23.03	-1.82
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUYW vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUYW Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is lower than the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUYW and BUFF, 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

	BUYW	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03	2.94	-0.90
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.15	0.49	+0.66

Drawdowns

BUYW vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUYW drawdown since its inception was -9.36%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUYW and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUYW	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.36%	-46.23%	+36.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.59%	-3.58%	+0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.36%	-10.24%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	0.00%	-0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.61%	-6.19%	+5.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	0.67%	-0.19%

Volatility

BUYW vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) have volatilities of 0.98% and 0.96%, 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

	BUYW	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.98%	0.96%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.03%	3.82%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.86%	5.15%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.47%	8.41%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.47%	17.68%	-9.21%

BUYW vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUYW has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUYW vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

BUYW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.93%, while BUFF has not 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%
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	5.93%	5.89%	5.93%	5.95%	0.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUYW and BUFF in my portfolio?

BUYW and BUFF have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUYW or BUFF?

BUYW has higher volatility (0.98%) compared to BUFF (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUYW dropped -9.36% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, BUYW or BUFF?

On 3-year performance, BUFF leads with 12.57% vs 8.61% for BUYW. On fees, BUFF is cheaper at 0.89% 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, BUYW or BUFF?

Over the 3-year period, BUFF has performed better with a 12.57% return vs 8.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUYW or BUFF?

BUFF is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BUYW.

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

BUYW has the higher dividend yield at 5.93%, compared with 0.00% for BUFF.

What is the main difference between BUYW and BUFF?

BUYW is categorized as Derivative Income, while BUFF is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Main Funds and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for BUYW and 0.89% for BUFF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.03), 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.