DDFM vs. JULB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DDFM (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - March) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. DDFM is passively managed, while JULB is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDFM charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

DDFM vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

DDFM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.05%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 7.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFM vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDFM Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - March	3.27%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	5.61%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFM and JULB is 0.93, 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 Mar 3, 2026	0.93

Return for Risk

DDFM vs. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DDFM	JULB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.24	2.21	+0.03

Drawdowns

DDFM vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFM drawdown since its inception was -3.09%, smaller than the maximum JULB drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFM and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFM	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.09%	-5.24%	+2.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.52%	-0.87%	+0.35%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFM	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.89%	6.79%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.89%	6.79%	-0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.89%	6.79%	-0.90%

DDFM vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFM has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than JULB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFM vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFM nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFM and JULB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DDFM and JULB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, DDFM or JULB?

On fees, JULB 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, DDFM or JULB?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDFM or JULB?

DDFM and JULB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDFM and JULB?

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