DDTS vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDTS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDTS charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

DDTS vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF (DDTS) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDTS achieves a 5.10% return, which is significantly higher than PBFR's 4.52% return.

DDTS

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.66%
• YTD: 5.10%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 12.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DDTS vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDTS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF	5.10%	4.21%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.52%	3.75%

Correlation

The correlation between DDTS and PBFR is 0.86, 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 Sep 3, 2025	0.86

Return for Risk

DDTS vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

DDTS vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF (DDTS) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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

	DDTS	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.92	1.54	+0.38

Drawdowns

DDTS vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDTS drawdown since its inception was -4.28%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDTS and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDTS	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.28%	-8.50%	+4.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-0.16%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.52%	-0.63%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDTS	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.64%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.34%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.72%	4.33%	+2.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.72%	6.89%	-0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.72%	6.89%	-0.17%

DDTS vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDTS has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDTS vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

DDTS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
DDTS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDTS and PBFR in my portfolio?

DDTS and PBFR have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDTS or PBFR?

On fees, PBFR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDTS or PBFR?

PBFR is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDTS or PBFR?

PBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for DDTS.

What is the main difference between DDTS and PBFR?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDTS and 0.50% for PBFR.