IJUL vs. SMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IJUL (Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July) and SMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. IJUL is passively managed, while SMAX is actively managed. Over the past year, IJUL returned 15.14% vs 8.56% for SMAX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IJUL charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SMAX.

Performance

IJUL vs. SMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July (IJUL) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJUL achieves a 6.52% return, which is significantly higher than SMAX's 2.98% return.

IJUL

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 1.28%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 6.64%
• 1Y: 15.14%
• 3Y*: 11.57%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: —

SMAX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 2.98%
• 6M: 2.87%
• 1Y: 8.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IJUL vs. SMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IJUL Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July	6.52%	20.98%	-5.82%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	2.98%	8.01%	1.06%

Correlation

The correlation between IJUL and SMAX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2024	0.59

The correlation between IJUL and SMAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (all time) to 0.70 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IJUL vs. SMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJUL

IJUL Risk / Return Rank: 66
IJUL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
IJUL Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
IJUL Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IJUL Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IJUL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

SMAX

SMAX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
SMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

IJUL vs. SMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July (IJUL) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). 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.

	IJUL	SMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	3.17	-1.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	4.86	-2.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.67	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	4.49	-1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.59	24.03	-12.44

IJUL vs. SMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJUL Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is lower than the SMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJUL and SMAX, 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

IJUL vs. SMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJUL drawdown since its inception was -21.09%, which is greater than SMAX's maximum drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJUL and SMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJUL	SMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.09%	-3.90%	-17.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.35%	-1.91%	-3.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.59%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	-0.29%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.53%	-0.40%	-2.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	0.36%	+0.95%

Volatility

IJUL vs. SMAX - Volatility Comparison

Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July (IJUL) has a higher volatility of 2.21% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) at 0.77%. This indicates that IJUL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJUL	SMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.21%	0.77%	+1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.32%	2.18%	+4.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.96%	2.72%	+5.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.88%	3.65%	+6.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.06%	3.65%	+7.41%

IJUL vs. SMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJUL has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

IJUL vs. SMAX - Dividend Comparison

IJUL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IJUL Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.99%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	0.95%	0.98%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJUL and SMAX in my portfolio?

IJUL and SMAX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IJUL or SMAX?

IJUL has higher volatility (2.21%) compared to SMAX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJUL dropped -21.09% vs SMAX's -3.90%.

Which ETF is better, IJUL or SMAX?

On 1-year performance, IJUL leads with 15.14% vs 8.56% for SMAX. On fees, SMAX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJUL or SMAX?

Over the 1-year period, IJUL has performed better with a 15.14% return vs 8.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJUL or SMAX?

SMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for IJUL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJUL or SMAX?

SMAX has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.00% for IJUL.

What is the main difference between IJUL and SMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for IJUL and 0.50% for SMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.17 vs 1.91), 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.