DDFL vs. JANB

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

DDFL (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July) and JANB (Aptus January Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JANB.

Performance

DDFL vs. JANB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDFL achieves a 3.71% return, which is significantly lower than JANB's 6.93% return.

DDFL

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 0.85%
• 6M: 3.50%
• YTD: 3.71%
• 1Y: 8.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JANB

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 1.38%
• 6M: 5.85%
• YTD: 6.93%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFL vs. JANB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July	3.71%	1.83%
JANB Aptus January Buffer ETF	6.93%	2.76%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFL and JANB is 0.72, 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 Oct 14, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

DDFL vs. JANB — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDFL

DDFL Risk / Return Rank: 94
DDFL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DDFL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
DDFL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
DDFL Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DDFL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

JANB

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

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.

DDFL vs. JANB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DDFL	JANB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.12	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.06	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.72	—	—

Drawdowns

DDFL vs. JANB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFL drawdown since its inception was -1.83%, smaller than the maximum JANB drawdown of -6.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFL and JANB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFL	JANB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.83%	-6.52%	+4.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.30%	-1.06%	+0.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.32%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFL	JANB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.58%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.29%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.18%	7.41%	-4.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.65%	7.41%	-3.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.65%	7.41%	-3.76%

DDFL vs. JANB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than JANB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFL vs. JANB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFL nor JANB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFL and JANB in my portfolio?

DDFL and JANB have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDFL or JANB?

On fees, JANB 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, DDFL or JANB?

JANB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDFL or JANB?

DDFL and JANB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDFL and JANB?

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