DDTL vs. AFOS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDTL (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July) and AFOS (ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DDTL is a Defined Outcome fund managed by Innovator, while AFOS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by ARS Investment Partners. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDTL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for AFOS.

Performance

DDTL vs. AFOS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDTL achieves a 4.57% return, which is significantly lower than AFOS's 32.04% return.

DDTL

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 4.57%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFOS

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 32.04%
• 6M: 37.37%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDTL vs. AFOS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDTL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July	4.57%	6.48%
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	32.04%	35.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DDTL and AFOS is 0.69, 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 Jul 2, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

DDTL vs. AFOS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL) and ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS). 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

	DDTL	AFOS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.27	4.35	-2.08

Drawdowns

DDTL vs. AFOS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDTL drawdown since its inception was -3.78%, smaller than the maximum AFOS drawdown of -11.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDTL and AFOS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDTL	AFOS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.78%	-11.52%	+7.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.29%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.40%	-1.37%	+0.97%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDTL	AFOS	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.46%	20.19%	-14.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.46%	20.19%	-14.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.46%	20.19%	-14.73%

DDTL vs. AFOS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDTL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than AFOS's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDTL vs. AFOS - Dividend Comparison

DDTL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AFOS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%.

Position	TTM	2025
AFOS ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF	0.22%	0.30%
DDTL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDTL and AFOS in my portfolio?

DDTL and AFOS have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDTL or AFOS?

On fees, AFOS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDTL or AFOS?

AFOS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDTL or AFOS?

AFOS has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.00% for DDTL.

What is the main difference between DDTL and AFOS?

DDTL is categorized as Defined Outcome, while AFOS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and ARS Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDTL and 0.45% for AFOS.