DDFJ vs. BALT

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DDFJ (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January) and BALT (Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. DDFJ is actively managed, while BALT is passively managed. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFJ charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BALT.

Performance

DDFJ vs. BALT - 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 Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT). 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*: —

BALT

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 1.97%
• 6M: 2.77%
• 1Y: 7.12%
• 3Y*: 7.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFJ vs. BALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDFJ Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January	3.11%
BALT Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF	1.88%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFJ and BALT is 0.56, 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	0.56

DDFJ vs. BALT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDFJ	BALT
Technology	36.2%	36.2%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.9%
Communication Services	10.9%	10.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.1%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.4%
Industrials	8.1%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

DDFJ vs. BALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BALT

BALT Risk / Return Rank: 93
BALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
BALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
BALT Omega Ratio Rank: 95
BALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
BALT Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

DDFJ vs. BALT - 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 Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT). 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	BALT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.26	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.30	1.80	-0.50

Drawdowns

DDFJ vs. BALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFJ drawdown since its inception was -3.34%, smaller than the maximum BALT drawdown of -4.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFJ and BALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFJ	BALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-4.89%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.15%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.06%	-0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-0.34%	-0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.31%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFJ	BALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.38%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.56%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.83%	2.19%	+3.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.83%	3.31%	+2.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.83%	3.31%	+2.52%

DDFJ vs. BALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFJ has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than BALT's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFJ vs. BALT - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFJ nor BALT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFJ and BALT in my portfolio?

DDFJ and BALT have a correlation of 0.56, 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 BALT?

On fees, BALT is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFJ or BALT?

BALT is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFJ.

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

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

What is the main difference between DDFJ and BALT?

Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFJ and 0.69% for BALT.