DDFN vs. JULB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDFN (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDFN charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

DDFN vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDFN achieves a 4.46% return, which is significantly lower than JULB's 6.35% return.

DDFN

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 4.46%
• 6M: 5.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 6.35%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFN vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFN Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November	4.46%	0.64%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.35%	1.03%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFN and JULB is 0.90, 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 Nov 4, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

DDFN vs. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November (DDFN) 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

	DDFN	JULB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.73	2.17	-0.44

Drawdowns

DDFN vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFN drawdown since its inception was -3.40%, smaller than the maximum JULB drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFN and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFN	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.40%	-5.24%	+1.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-0.07%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.47%	-0.87%	+0.40%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFN	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.26%	6.81%	-1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.26%	6.81%	-1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.26%	6.81%	-1.55%

DDFN vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DDFN vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFN nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFN and JULB in my portfolio?

DDFN and JULB have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDFN 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, DDFN or JULB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between DDFN and JULB?

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