DDFS vs. QB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) and QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. DDFS is actively managed, while QB is passively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDFS charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for QB.

Performance

DDFS vs. QB - 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 ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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 QB's 10.47% return.

DDFS

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

QB

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 2.95%
• YTD: 10.47%
• 6M: 9.91%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFS vs. QB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.40%	3.29%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	10.47%	4.48%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFS and QB is 0.66, 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	0.66

Return for Risk

DDFS vs. QB - 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 ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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	QB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.26	3.17	-0.91

Drawdowns

DDFS vs. QB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFS drawdown since its inception was -2.29%, which is greater than QB's maximum drawdown of -1.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFS and QB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFS	QB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-1.83%	-0.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.30%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-0.34%	+0.03%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFS	QB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.07%	5.75%	-1.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.07%	5.75%	-1.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.07%	5.75%	-1.68%

DDFS vs. QB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDFS has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than QB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDFS vs. QB - Dividend Comparison

DDFS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%.

Position	TTM	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.62%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFS and QB in my portfolio?

DDFS and QB have a correlation of 0.66, 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 QB?

On fees, QB is cheaper at 0.58% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDFS or QB?

QB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFS.

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

QB has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.00% for DDFS.

What is the main difference between DDFS and QB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFS and 0.58% for QB.