DDFJ vs. TMAR

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

DDFJ (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January) and TMAR (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March) are both Defined Outcome funds. DDFJ is actively managed, while TMAR is passively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFJ charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TMAR.

Performance

DDFJ vs. TMAR - 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 FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DDFJ

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TMAR

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 6M: 13.81%
• 1Y: 23.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFJ vs. TMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDFJ Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - January	3.94%
TMAR FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFJ and TMAR is 0.60, 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 2, 2026	0.60

Return for Risk

DDFJ vs. TMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDFJ

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

TMAR

TMAR Risk / Return Rank: 88
TMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
TMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
TMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
TMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
TMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. TMAR - 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 FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DDFJ	TMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.20	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.12	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.54	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.10	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	23.63	—

Drawdowns

DDFJ vs. TMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFJ drawdown since its inception was -3.34%, smaller than the maximum TMAR drawdown of -9.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFJ and TMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFJ	TMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-9.93%	+6.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.53%	+1.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.49%	-0.75%	+0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFJ	TMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.12%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.04%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.68%	10.88%	-5.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.68%	12.27%	-6.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.68%	12.27%	-6.59%

DDFJ vs. TMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFJ has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than TMAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFJ vs. TMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFJ nor TMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFJ and TMAR in my portfolio?

DDFJ and TMAR have a correlation of 0.60, 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 TMAR?

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 TMAR?

DDFJ is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TMAR.

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

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

What is the main difference between DDFJ and TMAR?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFJ and 0.95% for TMAR.