DDFJ vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DDFJ (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. DDFJ is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDFJ charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

DDFJ vs. BUFF - 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 Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 4.75%
• 6M: 5.07%
• 1Y: 14.06%
• 3Y*: 12.20%
• 5Y*: 8.58%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFJ vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDFJ Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January	3.11%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	4.48%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFJ and BUFF is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2026	0.81

DDFJ vs. BUFF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDFJ	BUFF
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. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 87
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 90
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. BUFF - 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 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DDFJ	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.02	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.30	0.49	+0.81

Drawdowns

DDFJ vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFJ drawdown since its inception was -3.34%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFJ and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFJ	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-46.23%	+42.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.58%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.89%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.51%	-6.18%	+5.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.67%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFJ	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.92%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.83%	5.21%	+0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.83%	8.41%	-2.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.83%	17.67%	-11.84%

DDFJ vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFJ has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFJ vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFJ nor BUFF has 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%
DDFJ Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFJ and BUFF in my portfolio?

DDFJ and BUFF have a correlation of 0.81, 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 BUFF?

On fees, DDFJ 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, DDFJ or BUFF?

DDFJ is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

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

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

What is the main difference between DDFJ and BUFF?

Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFJ and 0.89% for BUFF.