DDFS vs. POCT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) and POCT (Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. DDFS is actively managed, while POCT is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.79% expense ratio.

Performance

DDFS vs. POCT - 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 U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October (POCT). 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 POCT's 5.33% return.

DDFS

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

POCT

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 2.01%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 5.92%
• 1Y: 14.36%
• 3Y*: 12.17%
• 5Y*: 9.82%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFS vs. POCT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.40%	3.29%
POCT Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October	5.33%	3.51%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFS and POCT is 0.84, 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	0.84

Return for Risk

DDFS vs. POCT — Risk / Return Rank

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

POCT

POCT Risk / Return Rank: 75
POCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
POCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
POCT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
POCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
POCT Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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. POCT - 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 U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October (POCT). 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	POCT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.26	0.87	+1.38

Drawdowns

DDFS vs. POCT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFS drawdown since its inception was -2.29%, smaller than the maximum POCT drawdown of -18.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFS and POCT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFS	POCT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-18.80%	+16.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.40%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.22%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.20%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-1.50%	+1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.86%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFS	POCT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.94%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.07%	6.17%	-2.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.07%	7.94%	-3.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.07%	10.22%	-6.15%

DDFS vs. POCT - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DDFS and POCT have an expense ratio of 0.79%.

Dividends

DDFS vs. POCT - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFS nor POCT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
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%
POCT Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF October	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	2.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFS and POCT in my portfolio?

DDFS and POCT have a correlation of 0.84, 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 POCT?

Both ETFs have the same 0.79% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFS or POCT?

DDFS and POCT have the same expense ratio: 0.79% per year.

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

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