DDFS vs. BUFP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) and BUFP (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. DDFS is actively managed, while BUFP is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDFS charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for BUFP.

Performance

DDFS vs. BUFP - 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 PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP). 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 BUFP's 6.23% return.

DDFS

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

BUFP

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 6.23%
• 6M: 7.00%
• 1Y: 17.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFS vs. BUFP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.40%	3.29%
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	6.23%	4.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFS and BUFP is 0.83, 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 Sep 3, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

DDFS vs. BUFP — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFP

BUFP Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFP Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
BUFP Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFP Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
BUFP Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. BUFP - 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 PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP). 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	BUFP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.26	1.40	+0.86

Drawdowns

DDFS vs. BUFP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFS drawdown since its inception was -2.29%, smaller than the maximum BUFP drawdown of -11.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFS and BUFP.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFS	BUFP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-11.98%	+9.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.22%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-1.00%	+0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.79%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFS	BUFP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.95%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.82%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.07%	6.27%	-2.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.07%	9.49%	-5.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.07%	9.49%	-5.42%

DDFS vs. BUFP - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFS has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than BUFP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFS vs. BUFP - Dividend Comparison

DDFS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BUFP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BUFP PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.02%
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFS and BUFP in my portfolio?

DDFS and BUFP have a correlation of 0.83, 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 BUFP?

On fees, BUFP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFS or BUFP?

BUFP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFS.

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

BUFP has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for DDFS.

What is the main difference between DDFS and BUFP?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFS and 0.50% for BUFP.