DDFF vs. APXM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DDFF (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - February) and APXM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DDFF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for APXM.

Performance

DDFF vs. APXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - February (DDFF) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DDFF

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APXM

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 1.79%
• 6M: 2.18%
• 1Y: 5.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFF vs. APXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDFF Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - February	2.54%
APXM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April	1.46%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFF and APXM is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2026	0.45

Return for Risk

DDFF vs. APXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

APXM

APXM Risk / Return Rank: 98
APXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Omega Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

DDFF vs. APXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - February (DDFF) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). 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

	DDFF	APXM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.30	5.20	-3.91

Drawdowns

DDFF vs. APXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFF drawdown since its inception was -3.72%, which is greater than APXM's maximum drawdown of -0.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFF and APXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFF	APXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-0.40%	-3.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-0.38%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.62%	-0.03%	-0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.06%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFF	APXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.50%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.86%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.90%	1.07%	+4.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.90%	1.24%	+4.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.90%	1.24%	+4.66%

DDFF vs. APXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than APXM's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFF vs. APXM - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFF nor APXM has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFF and APXM in my portfolio?

DDFF and APXM have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDFF or APXM?

On fees, DDFF is cheaper at 0.79% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFF or APXM?

DDFF is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for APXM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDFF or APXM?

DDFF and APXM have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDFF and APXM?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFF and 0.85% for APXM.