DDNQ vs. JULB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DDNQ (Innovator Growth-100 Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDNQ charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

DDNQ vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Growth-100 Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (DDNQ) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DDNQ

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 7.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDNQ vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDNQ Innovator Growth-100 Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	5.06%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.46%

Correlation

The correlation between DDNQ and JULB is 0.86, 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 Jan 5, 2026	0.86

Return for Risk

DDNQ vs. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Growth-100 Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (DDNQ) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). 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

	DDNQ	JULB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.24	2.21	-0.96

Drawdowns

DDNQ vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDNQ drawdown since its inception was -5.65%, which is greater than JULB's maximum drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDNQ and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDNQ	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.65%	-5.24%	-0.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.73%	-0.87%	+0.14%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDNQ	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.17%	6.79%	+3.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.17%	6.79%	+3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.17%	6.79%	+3.38%

DDNQ vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDNQ has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than JULB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDNQ vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDNQ nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDNQ and JULB in my portfolio?

DDNQ and JULB have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDNQ or JULB?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDNQ or JULB?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDNQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDNQ or JULB?

DDNQ and JULB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDNQ and JULB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDNQ and 0.25% for JULB.