IVVM vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IVVM (iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVVM is a Options Trading fund actively managed by iShares, while BUFF is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. IVVM is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Over the past year, IVVM returned 16.99% vs 15.04% for BUFF. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IVVM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

IVVM vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVVM achieves a 6.18% return, which is significantly higher than BUFF's 5.70% return.

IVVM

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.02%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 6.69%
• 1Y: 16.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.89%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 6.36%
• 1Y: 15.04%
• 3Y*: 12.57%
• 5Y*: 8.80%
• 10Y*: —

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

IVVM vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	6.18%	14.24%	16.08%	5.17%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.70%	11.02%	12.05%	5.75%

Correlation

The correlation between IVVM and BUFF is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 3, 2023	0.87

The correlation between IVVM and BUFF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

IVVM vs. BUFF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVVM	BUFF
Technology	36.2%	36.2%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.9%
Communication Services	10.9%	10.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.1%
Healthcare	8.4%	8.4%
Industrials	8.1%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

IVVM vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVVM

IVVM Risk / Return Rank: 75
IVVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IVVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
IVVM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
IVVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
IVVM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 89
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 92
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

IVVM vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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.

	IVVM	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	2.94	-0.51
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	4.44	-0.97
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.61	-0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.25	4.30	-1.05
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.23	23.03	-6.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IVVM vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVVM Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is comparable to the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVVM and BUFF, 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

	IVVM	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.43	2.94	-0.51
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.50	0.49	+1.01

Drawdowns

IVVM vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVVM drawdown since its inception was -11.62%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVVM and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVVM	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.62%	-46.23%	+34.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.31%	-3.58%	-1.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.92%	-6.19%	+5.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.06%	0.67%	+0.39%

Volatility

IVVM vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) is 0.73%, while Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) has a volatility of 0.96%. This indicates that IVVM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUFF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVVM	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.73%	0.96%	-0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.62%	3.82%	+1.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.03%	5.15%	+1.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.63%	8.41%	+1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.63%	17.68%	-8.05%

IVVM vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVVM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVVM vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

IVVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, while BUFF has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	0.64%	0.68%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVVM and BUFF in my portfolio?

IVVM and BUFF have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVVM or BUFF?

BUFF has higher volatility (0.96%) compared to IVVM (0.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVVM dropped -11.62% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, IVVM or BUFF?

On 1-year performance, IVVM leads with 16.99% vs 15.04% for BUFF. On fees, IVVM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IVVM has been the lower-risk option at 0.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVVM or BUFF?

Over the 1-year period, IVVM has performed better with a 16.99% return vs 15.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVVM or BUFF?

IVVM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVVM or BUFF?

IVVM has the higher dividend yield at 0.64%, compared with 0.00% for BUFF.

What is the main difference between IVVM and BUFF?

IVVM is categorized as Options Trading, while BUFF is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IVVM and 0.89% for BUFF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.43), 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.