DDTF vs. CAOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDTF (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - February) and CAOS (Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DDTF is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Innovator, while CAOS is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Alpha Architect. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.53, they often move in opposite directions. DDTF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for CAOS.

Performance

DDTF vs. CAOS - 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 Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DDTF

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAOS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.69%
• 1Y: 1.88%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDTF vs. CAOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDTF Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - February	4.45%
CAOS Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF	0.24%

Correlation

The correlation between DDTF and CAOS is -0.53, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2026	-0.53

DDTF vs. CAOS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDTF	CAOS
Technology	36.2%	33.1%
Financial Services	11.9%	12.4%
Communication Services	10.9%	10.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.0%
Healthcare	8.4%	9.6%
Industrials	8.1%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	5.4%
Energy	3.5%	4.1%
Utilities	2.3%	2.6%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.0%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.9%

Return for Risk

DDTF vs. CAOS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAOS

CAOS Risk / Return Rank: 40
CAOS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
CAOS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
CAOS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
CAOS Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
CAOS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. CAOS - 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 Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS). 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

	DDTF	CAOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.61	1.21	+0.40

Drawdowns

DDTF vs. CAOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDTF drawdown since its inception was -5.42%, which is greater than CAOS's maximum drawdown of -3.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDTF and CAOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDTF	CAOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.42%	-3.60%	-1.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.76%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-1.07%	+0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.04%	-0.90%	-0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.30%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDTF	CAOS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.03%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.72%	1.52%	+7.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.72%	4.26%	+4.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.72%	4.26%	+4.46%

DDTF vs. CAOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDTF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than CAOS's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDTF vs. CAOS - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDTF nor CAOS has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDTF and CAOS in my portfolio?

DDTF and CAOS have a correlation of -0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDTF or CAOS?

On fees, CAOS is cheaper at 0.63% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDTF or CAOS?

CAOS is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDTF.

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

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

What is the main difference between DDTF and CAOS?

DDTF is categorized as Defined Outcome, while CAOS is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDTF and 0.63% for CAOS.