IGTR vs. UAUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IGTR (Innovator Gradient Tactical Rotation Strategy ETF) and UAUG (Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August) are both exchange-traded funds - IGTR is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Innovator, while UAUG is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the S&P 500. IGTR is actively managed, while UAUG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IGTR returned 16.10%/yr vs 14.14%/yr for UAUG. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGTR charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for UAUG.

Performance

IGTR vs. UAUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Gradient Tactical Rotation Strategy ETF (IGTR) and Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August (UAUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGTR achieves a 18.74% return, which is significantly higher than UAUG's 4.86% return.

IGTR

• 1D: -8.46%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 18.74%
• 6M: 18.36%
• 1Y: 40.84%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

UAUG

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 4.86%
• 6M: 4.70%
• 1Y: 14.14%
• 3Y*: 14.14%
• 5Y*: 7.95%
• 10Y*: —

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

IGTR vs. UAUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IGTR Innovator Gradient Tactical Rotation Strategy ETF	18.74%	15.25%	4.02%	-0.31%	-2.18%
UAUG Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August	4.86%	12.42%	15.51%	17.71%	-1.29%

Correlation

The correlation between IGTR and UAUG is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2022	0.75

The correlation between IGTR and UAUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGTR vs. UAUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGTR	UAUG
Technology	46.5%	38.4%
Industrials	14.9%	7.9%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	10.0%
Financial Services	12.5%	11.0%
Healthcare	5.0%	8.4%
Communication Services	2.6%	10.8%
Basic Materials	2.4%	1.7%
Utilities	2.4%	2.1%
Energy	1.7%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	4.6%
Real Estate	0.4%	1.8%

Return for Risk

IGTR vs. UAUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGTR

IGTR Risk / Return Rank: 59
IGTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
IGTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IGTR Omega Ratio Rank: 57
IGTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
IGTR Martin Ratio Rank: 71

UAUG

UAUG Risk / Return Rank: 87
UAUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
UAUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
UAUG Omega Ratio Rank: 91
UAUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
UAUG Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

IGTR vs. UAUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Gradient Tactical Rotation Strategy ETF (IGTR) and Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August (UAUG). 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.

	IGTR	UAUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	2.69	-1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	3.96	-1.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.55	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.46	3.58	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.95	19.01	-7.06

IGTR vs. UAUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is lower than the UAUG Sharpe Ratio of 2.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGTR and UAUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IGTR vs. UAUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGTR drawdown since its inception was -20.06%, which is greater than UAUG's maximum drawdown of -13.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGTR and UAUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGTR	UAUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.06%	-13.91%	-6.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.85%	-3.96%	-7.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.06%	-10.35%	-9.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.46%	-0.28%	-8.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.93%	-2.34%	-4.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.43%	0.75%	+2.68%

Volatility

IGTR vs. UAUG - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Gradient Tactical Rotation Strategy ETF (IGTR) has a higher volatility of 18.48% compared to Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August (UAUG) at 1.05%. This indicates that IGTR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than UAUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGTR	UAUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.48%	1.05%	+17.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.47%	4.19%	+18.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.92%	5.33%	+20.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.06%	7.91%	+11.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	8.69%	+10.37%

IGTR vs. UAUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGTR has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than UAUG's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGTR vs. UAUG - Dividend Comparison

IGTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.67%, while UAUG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IGTR Innovator Gradient Tactical Rotation Strategy ETF	0.67%	0.80%	2.40%	0.87%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
UAUG Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGTR and UAUG in my portfolio?

IGTR and UAUG have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGTR or UAUG?

IGTR has higher volatility (18.48%) compared to UAUG (1.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGTR dropped -20.06% vs UAUG's -13.91%.

Which ETF is better, IGTR or UAUG?

On 3-year performance, IGTR leads with 16.10% vs 14.14% for UAUG. On fees, UAUG is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, UAUG has been the lower-risk option at 1.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGTR or UAUG?

Over the 3-year period, IGTR has performed better with a 16.10% return vs 14.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGTR or UAUG?

UAUG is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for IGTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGTR or UAUG?

IGTR has the higher dividend yield at 0.67%, compared with 0.00% for UAUG.

What is the main difference between IGTR and UAUG?

IGTR is categorized as Global Equities, while UAUG is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for IGTR and 0.79% for UAUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UAUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 1.58), 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.