DAK vs. DDTL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DAK (Dakota Active Equity ETF) and DDTL (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July) are both exchange-traded funds - DAK is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dakota Wealth, while DDTL is a Defined Outcome fund managed by Innovator. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DAK charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DDTL.

Performance

DAK vs. DDTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAK achieves a 8.35% return, which is significantly higher than DDTL's 4.28% return.

DAK

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 8.35%
• 6M: 8.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DDTL

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 4.28%
• 6M: 5.03%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DAK vs. DDTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	8.35%	7.36%
DDTL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July	4.28%	4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between DAK and DDTL is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

DAK vs. DDTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DAK	DDTL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.71	2.20	-0.48

Drawdowns

DAK vs. DDTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAK drawdown since its inception was -7.87%, which is greater than DDTL's maximum drawdown of -3.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAK and DDTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAK	DDTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-3.78%	-4.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	-0.30%	-2.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.08%	-0.40%	-0.68%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DAK	DDTL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.39%	5.45%	+5.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.39%	5.45%	+5.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.39%	5.45%	+5.94%

DAK vs. DDTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAK has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than DDTL's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAK vs. DDTL - Dividend Comparison

DAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, while DDTL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
DAK Dakota Active Equity ETF	0.56%	0.42%
DDTL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAK and DDTL in my portfolio?

DAK and DDTL have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DAK or DDTL?

On fees, DAK is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAK or DDTL?

DAK is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DAK or DDTL?

DAK has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.00% for DDTL.

What is the main difference between DAK and DDTL?

DAK is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while DDTL is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Dakota Wealth and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for DAK and 0.79% for DDTL.