DDFS vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. DDFS is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFS charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

DDFS vs. BUFF - 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 Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDFS achieves a 3.40% return, which is significantly lower than BUFF's 5.42% return.

DDFS

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.83%
• YTD: 3.40%
• 6M: 4.28%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 1.68%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.90%
• 1Y: 14.36%
• 3Y*: 12.47%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFS vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.40%	3.29%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.42%	3.66%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFS and BUFF is 0.77, 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 3, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

DDFS vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. BUFF - 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 Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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

	DDFS	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.26	0.49	+1.77

Drawdowns

DDFS vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFS drawdown since its inception was -2.29%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFS and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFS	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-46.23%	+43.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.58%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.27%	+0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-6.18%	+5.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.67%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFS	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.02%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.83%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.07%	5.15%	-1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.07%	8.41%	-4.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.07%	17.67%	-13.60%

DDFS vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFS has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFS vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFS nor BUFF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFS and BUFF in my portfolio?

DDFS and BUFF have a correlation of 0.77, 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 BUFF?

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 BUFF?

DDFS is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

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

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

What is the main difference between DDFS and BUFF?

Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFS and 0.89% for BUFF.