DDFS vs. APXM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) and APXM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFS charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for APXM.

Performance

DDFS vs. APXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September (DDFS) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDFS achieves a 3.49% return, which is significantly higher than APXM's 1.82% return.

DDFS

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 3.49%
• 6M: 3.47%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APXM

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -0.05%
• YTD: 1.82%
• 6M: 1.92%
• 1Y: 4.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFS vs. APXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.49%	3.42%
APXM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April	1.82%	1.70%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFS and APXM is 0.62, 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 Sep 2, 2025	0.62

Return for Risk

DDFS vs. APXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDFS

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

APXM

APXM Risk / Return Rank: 97
APXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
APXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Omega Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
APXM Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

DDFS vs. APXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September (DDFS) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). 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.

	DDFS	APXM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	4.00	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	6.46	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	2.10	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	8.15	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	55.77	—

Drawdowns

DDFS vs. APXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFS drawdown since its inception was -2.29%, which is greater than APXM's maximum drawdown of -0.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFS and APXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFS	APXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-0.60%	-1.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-0.36%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.30%	-0.04%	-0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFS	APXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.76%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.06%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.99%	1.22%	+2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.99%	1.36%	+2.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.99%	1.36%	+2.63%

DDFS vs. APXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFS has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than APXM's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFS vs. APXM - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFS nor APXM has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFS and APXM in my portfolio?

DDFS and APXM have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDFS or APXM?

On fees, DDFS is cheaper at 0.79% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFS or APXM?

DDFS is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for APXM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDFS or APXM?

DDFS and APXM have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDFS and APXM?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFS and 0.85% for APXM.