DLAG vs. DDFL

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

DLAG (FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August) and DDFL (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLAG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DDFL.

Performance

DLAG vs. DDFL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August (DLAG) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July (DDFL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLAG achieves a 6.26% return, which is significantly higher than DDFL's 3.71% return.

DLAG

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.25%
• 6M: 5.38%
• YTD: 6.26%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DDFL

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 0.85%
• 6M: 3.50%
• YTD: 3.71%
• 1Y: 8.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DLAG vs. DDFL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DLAG FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August	6.26%	2.31%
DDFL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July	3.71%	1.73%

Correlation

The correlation between DLAG and DDFL is 0.78, 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 Sep 22, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

DLAG vs. DDFL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLAG

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

DDFL

DDFL Risk / Return Rank: 94
DDFL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DDFL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
DDFL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
DDFL Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DDFL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

DLAG vs. DDFL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August (DLAG) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - July (DDFL). 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.

	DLAG	DDFL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.60	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.12	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.55	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.06	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	25.72	—

Drawdowns

DLAG vs. DDFL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLAG drawdown since its inception was -4.23%, which is greater than DDFL's maximum drawdown of -1.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLAG and DDFL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLAG	DDFL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.23%	-1.83%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.53%	-0.30%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.32%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DLAG	DDFL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.58%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.29%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.31%	3.18%	+3.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.31%	3.65%	+2.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.31%	3.65%	+2.66%

DLAG vs. DDFL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLAG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than DDFL's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLAG vs. DDFL - Dividend Comparison

Neither DLAG nor DDFL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLAG and DDFL in my portfolio?

DLAG and DDFL have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DLAG or DDFL?

On fees, DDFL 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, DLAG or DDFL?

DDFL is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DLAG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DLAG or DDFL?

DLAG and DDFL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DLAG and DDFL?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DLAG and 0.79% for DDFL.