DDTF vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DDTF (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - February) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. DDTF is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDTF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

DDTF vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - February (DDTF) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DDTF

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 4.62%
• 1Y: 13.10%
• 3Y*: 11.92%
• 5Y*: 8.52%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDTF vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDTF Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - February	4.31%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	3.98%

Correlation

The correlation between DDTF and BUFF is 0.94, 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 Feb 2, 2026	0.94

Return for Risk

DDTF vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDTF

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 85
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

DDTF vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - February (DDTF) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DDTF	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.51	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.76	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.51	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.67	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	19.13	—

Drawdowns

DDTF vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDTF drawdown since its inception was -5.42%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDTF and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDTF	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.42%	-46.23%	+40.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.58%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-0.74%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.99%	-6.15%	+5.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.69%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDTF	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.73%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.11%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.80%	5.27%	+3.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.80%	8.44%	+0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.80%	17.63%	-8.83%

DDTF vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDTF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDTF vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDTF nor BUFF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%
DDTF Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - February	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDTF and BUFF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DDTF and BUFF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, DDTF or BUFF?

On fees, DDTF 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, DDTF or BUFF?

DDTF is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDTF or BUFF?

DDTF and BUFF have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDTF and BUFF?

Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDTF and 0.89% for BUFF.