DDTM vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDTM (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - March) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator - DDTM tracks the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) while BUFF tracks the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DDTM charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

DDTM vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

DDTM

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 1.68%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.90%
• 1Y: 14.36%
• 3Y*: 12.47%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDTM vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDTM Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - March	4.73%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	4.43%

Correlation

The correlation between DDTM and BUFF is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2026	0.96

Return for Risk

DDTM vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 86
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DDTM vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - March (DDTM) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DDTM	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.36	0.49	+1.86

Drawdowns

DDTM vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDTM drawdown since its inception was -4.73%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDTM and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDTM	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.73%	-46.23%	+41.50%
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	-0.15%	-0.27%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-6.18%	+5.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.67%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDTM	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.02%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.83%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.40%	5.15%	+3.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.40%	8.41%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.40%	17.67%	-9.27%

DDTM vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DDTM vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDTM 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%
DDTM Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - March	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 DDTM and BUFF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DDTM 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, DDTM or BUFF?

On fees, DDTM 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, DDTM or BUFF?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between DDTM and BUFF?

DDTM tracks SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while BUFF tracks Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDTM and 0.89% for BUFF.