DDTL vs. BALT

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DDTL (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July) and BALT (Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. Over the past year, DDTL returned 11.58% vs 6.89% for BALT. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDTL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BALT.

Performance

DDTL vs. BALT - 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 Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDTL achieves a 5.40% return, which is significantly higher than BALT's 2.78% return.

DDTL

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.66%
• 6M: 5.00%
• YTD: 5.40%
• 1Y: 11.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALT

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.63%
• 6M: 2.38%
• YTD: 2.78%
• 1Y: 6.89%
• 3Y*: 7.13%
• 5Y*: 6.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDTL vs. BALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDTL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July	5.40%	4.70%
BALT Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF	2.78%	4.46%

Correlation

The correlation between DDTL and BALT 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2025	0.69

The correlation between DDTL and BALT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DDTL vs. BALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDTL

DDTL Risk / Return Rank: 85
DDTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DDTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DDTL Omega Ratio Rank: 90
DDTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DDTL Martin Ratio Rank: 90

BALT

BALT Risk / Return Rank: 96
BALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
BALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
BALT Omega Ratio Rank: 96
BALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
BALT Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

DDTL vs. BALT - 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 Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT). 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.

	DDTL	BALT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	3.20	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	4.91	-1.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.70	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	6.00	-2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.03	22.39	-6.36

DDTL vs. BALT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDTL Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is lower than the BALT Sharpe Ratio of 3.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDTL and BALT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DDTL vs. BALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDTL drawdown since its inception was -3.78%, smaller than the maximum BALT drawdown of -4.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDTL and BALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDTL	BALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.78%	-4.89%	+1.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.78%	-1.15%	-2.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-4.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	0.00%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.43%	-0.34%	-0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.72%	0.31%	+0.41%

Volatility

DDTL vs. BALT - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL) has a higher volatility of 0.99% compared to Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) at 0.37%. This indicates that DDTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BALT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DDTL	BALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.99%	0.37%	+0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.06%	1.40%	+2.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.33%	2.16%	+3.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.53%	3.29%	+2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.53%	3.28%	+2.25%

DDTL vs. BALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDTL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than BALT's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDTL vs. BALT - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDTL nor BALT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDTL and BALT in my portfolio?

DDTL and BALT 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 is riskier, DDTL or BALT?

DDTL has higher volatility (0.99%) compared to BALT (0.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDTL dropped -3.78% vs BALT's -4.89%.

Which ETF is better, DDTL or BALT?

On 1-year performance, DDTL leads with 11.58% vs 6.89% for BALT. On fees, BALT is cheaper at 0.69% per year. On volatility, BALT has been the lower-risk option at 0.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDTL or BALT?

Over the 1-year period, DDTL has performed better with a 11.58% return vs 6.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDTL or BALT?

BALT is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDTL.

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

DDTL and BALT have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DDTL and BALT?

Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDTL and 0.69% for BALT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BALT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.20 vs 2.18), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.