DDFS vs. SFLR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) and SFLR (Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DDFS is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Innovator, while SFLR is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Innovator. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDFS charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for SFLR.

Performance

DDFS vs. SFLR - 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 Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR). 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 SFLR's 5.55% return.

DDFS

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

SFLR

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 5.55%
• 6M: 5.78%
• 1Y: 19.44%
• 3Y*: 16.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFS vs. SFLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.40%	3.29%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	5.55%	5.74%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFS and SFLR is 0.80, 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	0.80

Return for Risk

DDFS vs. SFLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SFLR

SFLR Risk / Return Rank: 64
SFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
SFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. SFLR - 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 Equity Managed Floor ETF (SFLR). 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	SFLR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.20	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.26	1.71	+0.54

Drawdowns

DDFS vs. SFLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFS drawdown since its inception was -2.29%, smaller than the maximum SFLR drawdown of -12.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFS and SFLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFS	SFLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-12.13%	+9.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.79%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.38%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-1.74%	+1.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.66%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFS	SFLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.87%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.46%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.07%	8.89%	-4.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.07%	10.15%	-6.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.07%	10.15%	-6.08%

DDFS vs. SFLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DDFS vs. SFLR - Dividend Comparison

DDFS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SFLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SFLR Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF	0.32%	0.33%	0.42%	1.16%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFS and SFLR in my portfolio?

DDFS and SFLR have a correlation of 0.80, 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 SFLR?

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 SFLR?

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

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

SFLR has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.00% for DDFS.

What is the main difference between DDFS and SFLR?

DDFS is categorized as Defined Outcome, while SFLR is Options Trading. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDFS and 0.89% for SFLR.