DLFE vs. ZMAY

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DLFE (FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February) and ZMAY (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May) are both Defined Outcome funds. DLFE is passively managed, while ZMAY is actively managed. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLFE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for ZMAY.

Performance

DLFE vs. ZMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DLFE

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZMAY

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -0.01%
• YTD: 1.80%
• 6M: 2.27%
• 1Y: 5.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DLFE vs. ZMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DLFE FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February	4.27%
ZMAY Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May	1.42%

Correlation

The correlation between DLFE and ZMAY is 0.60, 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 Feb 24, 2026	0.60

Return for Risk

DLFE vs. ZMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZMAY

ZMAY Risk / Return Rank: 97
ZMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
ZMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
ZMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 97
ZMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZMAY Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

DLFE vs. ZMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY). 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

	DLFE	ZMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.98	3.82	-1.83

Drawdowns

DLFE vs. ZMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLFE drawdown since its inception was -5.03%, which is greater than ZMAY's maximum drawdown of -0.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLFE and ZMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLFE	ZMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-0.45%	-4.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-0.45%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.98%	-0.05%	-0.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DLFE	ZMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.65%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.15%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.01%	1.52%	+6.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.01%	1.57%	+6.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.01%	1.57%	+6.44%

DLFE vs. ZMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLFE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than ZMAY's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLFE vs. ZMAY - Dividend Comparison

Neither DLFE nor ZMAY has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLFE and ZMAY in my portfolio?

DLFE and ZMAY have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DLFE or ZMAY?

On fees, ZMAY 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, DLFE or ZMAY?

ZMAY is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DLFE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DLFE or ZMAY?

DLFE and ZMAY have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DLFE and ZMAY?

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