DDFL vs. QMAR

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

DDFL (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - DDFL is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Innovator, while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DDFL returned 8.17% vs 19.74% for QMAR. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QMAR.

Performance

DDFL vs. QMAR - 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 FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). 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 QMAR's 12.87% return.

DDFL

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

QMAR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.79%
• 6M: 12.30%
• YTD: 12.87%
• 1Y: 19.74%
• 3Y*: 15.79%
• 5Y*: 11.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFL vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July	3.71%	2.85%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	12.87%	6.49%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFL and QMAR is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2025	0.71

The correlation between DDFL and QMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DDFL vs. QMAR — 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

QMAR

QMAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
QMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
QMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
QMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 96
QMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
QMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. QMAR - 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 FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). 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	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	2.99	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.12	4.49	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.68	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.06	6.17	-1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.72	34.68	-8.96

DDFL vs. QMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDFL Sharpe Ratio is 2.60, which is comparable to the QMAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDFL and QMAR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DDFL vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFL drawdown since its inception was -1.83%, smaller than the maximum QMAR drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFL and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFL	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.83%	-19.83%	+18.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.63%	-3.21%	+1.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.35%	+0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.30%	-3.24%	+2.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.32%	0.57%	-0.25%

Volatility

DDFL vs. QMAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July (DDFL) is 0.58%, while FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) has a volatility of 2.79%. This indicates that DDFL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DDFL	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.58%	2.79%	-2.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.29%	5.77%	-3.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.18%	6.62%	-3.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.65%	14.02%	-10.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.65%	13.79%	-10.14%

DDFL vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than QMAR's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFL vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFL nor QMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFL and QMAR in my portfolio?

DDFL and QMAR have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DDFL or QMAR?

QMAR has higher volatility (2.79%) compared to DDFL (0.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDFL dropped -1.83% vs QMAR's -19.83%.

Which ETF is better, DDFL or QMAR?

On 1-year performance, QMAR leads with 19.74% vs 8.17% for DDFL. On fees, DDFL is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, DDFL has been the lower-risk option at 0.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDFL or QMAR?

Over the 1-year period, QMAR has performed better with a 19.74% return vs 8.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFL or QMAR?

DDFL is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QMAR.

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

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

What is the main difference between DDFL and QMAR?

DDFL is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFL and 0.90% for QMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 2.60), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.