DDFS vs. ZMAY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) and ZMAY (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. Both are actively managed. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.79% expense ratio.

Performance

DDFS vs. ZMAY - 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 Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY). 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 higher than ZMAY's 2.20% return.

DDFS

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

ZMAY

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.79%
• YTD: 2.20%
• 6M: 2.77%
• 1Y: 5.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDFS vs. ZMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.40%	3.29%
ZMAY Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May	2.20%	1.92%

Correlation

The correlation between DDFS and ZMAY is 0.61, 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	0.61

Return for Risk

DDFS vs. ZMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZMAY

ZMAY Risk / Return Rank: 97
ZMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
ZMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
ZMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 97
ZMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZMAY Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. ZMAY - 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 Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY). 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	ZMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.12	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.26	4.24	-1.98

Drawdowns

DDFS vs. ZMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDFS drawdown since its inception was -2.29%, which is greater than ZMAY's maximum drawdown of -0.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDFS and ZMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDFS	ZMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-0.39%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	-0.06%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-0.05%	-0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDFS	ZMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.53%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.06%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.07%	1.45%	+2.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.07%	1.52%	+2.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.07%	1.52%	+2.55%

DDFS vs. ZMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DDFS vs. ZMAY - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDFS nor ZMAY has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDFS and ZMAY in my portfolio?

DDFS and ZMAY have a correlation of 0.61, 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 ZMAY?

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 ZMAY?

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

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

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