DDFO vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DDFO (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - October) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DDFO is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. DDFO is passively managed, while CAOS is actively managed. At a correlation of -0.39, they often move in opposite directions. DDFO charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

DDFO vs. CAOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - October (DDFO) and Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDFO achieves a 3.31% return, which is significantly higher than CAOS's 0.90% return.

DDFO

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 3.31%
• 6M: 3.74%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 0.90%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 1.94%
• 3Y*: 4.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFO vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFO Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - October	3.31%	1.72%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.90%	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFO and CAOS is -0.39, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	-0.39

Return for Risk

DDFO vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 43
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 42
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

DDFO vs. CAOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - October (DDFO) and Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). 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

	DDFO	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.63	1.21	+0.41

Drawdowns

DDFO vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFO drawdown since its inception was -2.79%, smaller than the maximum CAOS drawdown of -3.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFO and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFO	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.79%	-3.60%	+0.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.76%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-0.99%	+0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.42%	-0.90%	+0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.30%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFO	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.27%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.03%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.70%	1.53%	+3.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.70%	4.25%	+0.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.70%	4.25%	+0.45%

DDFO vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFO has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFO vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFO nor CAOS has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFO and CAOS in my portfolio?

DDFO and CAOS have a correlation of -0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDFO or CAOS?

On fees, CAOS is cheaper at 0.63% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFO or CAOS?

CAOS is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDFO or CAOS?

DDFO and CAOS have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDFO and CAOS?

DDFO is categorized as Defined Outcome, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFO and 0.63% for CAOS.