IBIF vs. QBUF

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IBIF (iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF) and QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) are both exchange-traded funds - IBIF is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2029 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index, while QBUF is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Invesco QQQ Trust. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IBIF returned 4.69% vs 11.91% for QBUF. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. IBIF charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QBUF.

Performance

IBIF vs. QBUF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBIF achieves a 1.81% return, which is significantly lower than QBUF's 4.76% return.

IBIF

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: -0.08%
• YTD: 1.81%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: 4.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QBUF

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 4.76%
• 6M: 4.58%
• 1Y: 11.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IBIF vs. QBUF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IBIF iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF	1.81%	7.27%	1.98%
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	4.76%	11.08%	5.92%

Correlation

The correlation between IBIF and QBUF is -0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2024	-0.03

Return for Risk

IBIF vs. QBUF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBIF

IBIF Risk / Return Rank: 82
IBIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
IBIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
IBIF Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IBIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
IBIF Martin Ratio Rank: 83

QBUF

QBUF Risk / Return Rank: 80
QBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
QBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 81
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
QBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

IBIF vs. QBUF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF). 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.

	IBIF	QBUF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.33	2.28	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.93	3.20	+0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.48	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.96	5.18	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.65	17.77	-1.13
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IBIF vs. QBUF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBIF Sharpe Ratio is 2.33, which is comparable to the QBUF Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBIF and QBUF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IBIF	QBUF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.33	2.28	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.70	1.36	+0.34

Drawdowns

IBIF vs. QBUF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBIF drawdown since its inception was -2.50%, smaller than the maximum QBUF drawdown of -8.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBIF and QBUF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBIF	QBUF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.50%	-8.84%	+6.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.95%	-2.31%	+1.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	0.00%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.55%	-0.82%	+0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.29%	0.67%	-0.38%

Volatility

IBIF vs. QBUF - Volatility Comparison

iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF (IBIF) has a higher volatility of 0.45% compared to Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) at 0.23%. This indicates that IBIF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QBUF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBIF	QBUF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.45%	0.23%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.33%	3.87%	-2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03%	5.25%	-3.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.54%	8.46%	-4.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.54%	8.46%	-4.92%

IBIF vs. QBUF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBIF has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than QBUF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBIF vs. QBUF - Dividend Comparison

IBIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.74%, while QBUF has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBIF iShares iBonds Oct 2029 Term TIPS ETF	3.74%	4.51%	4.05%	0.96%
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBIF and QBUF in my portfolio?

IBIF and QBUF have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBIF or QBUF?

IBIF has higher volatility (0.45%) compared to QBUF (0.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBIF dropped -2.50% vs QBUF's -8.84%.

Which ETF is better, IBIF or QBUF?

On 1-year performance, QBUF leads with 11.91% vs 4.69% for IBIF. On fees, IBIF is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, QBUF has been the lower-risk option at 0.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBIF or QBUF?

Over the 1-year period, QBUF has performed better with a 11.91% return vs 4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBIF or QBUF?

IBIF is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for QBUF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBIF or QBUF?

IBIF has the higher dividend yield at 3.74%, compared with 0.00% for QBUF.

What is the main difference between IBIF and QBUF?

IBIF is categorized as Inflation-Protected Bonds, while QBUF is Nasdaq-100. IBIF tracks ICE 2029 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index, while QBUF tracks Invesco QQQ Trust. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for IBIF and 0.79% for QBUF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBIF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.28), 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.