DDFJ vs. APRB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DDFJ (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January) and APRB (Aptus April Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFJ charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for APRB.

Performance

DDFJ vs. APRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January (DDFJ) and Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DDFJ

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APRB

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 4.20%
• 6M: 4.58%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFJ vs. APRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDFJ Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January	3.11%
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	4.12%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFJ and APRB is 0.78, 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 Jan 5, 2026	0.78

Return for Risk

DDFJ vs. APRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January (DDFJ) and Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB). 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

	DDFJ	APRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.30	1.81	-0.51

Drawdowns

DDFJ vs. APRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFJ drawdown since its inception was -3.34%, smaller than the maximum APRB drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFJ and APRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFJ	APRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-4.59%	+1.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.71%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-0.74%	+0.23%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFJ	APRB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.83%	6.01%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.83%	6.01%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.83%	6.01%	-0.18%

DDFJ vs. APRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFJ has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than APRB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFJ vs. APRB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFJ nor APRB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFJ and APRB in my portfolio?

DDFJ and APRB have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDFJ or APRB?

On fees, APRB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFJ or APRB?

APRB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDFJ or APRB?

DDFJ and APRB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDFJ and APRB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFJ and 0.25% for APRB.