IVVM vs. ZALT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IVVM (iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF) and ZALT (Innovator U.S. Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, IVVM returned 14.52% vs 9.81% for ZALT. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IVVM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for ZALT.

Performance

IVVM vs. ZALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) and Innovator U.S. Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVVM achieves a 5.35% return, which is significantly higher than ZALT's 3.81% return.

IVVM

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 5.35%
• 6M: 4.81%
• 1Y: 14.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZALT

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 3.81%
• 6M: 3.24%
• 1Y: 9.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IVVM vs. ZALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	5.35%	14.24%	16.08%	6.12%
ZALT Innovator U.S. Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	3.81%	9.44%	11.92%	3.79%

Correlation

The correlation between IVVM and ZALT is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2023	0.84

The correlation between IVVM and ZALT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IVVM vs. ZALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVVM

IVVM Risk / Return Rank: 68
IVVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
IVVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
IVVM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
IVVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
IVVM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

ZALT

ZALT Risk / Return Rank: 87
ZALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
ZALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
ZALT Omega Ratio Rank: 89
ZALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
ZALT 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. ZALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) and Innovator U.S. Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT). 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.

	IVVM	ZALT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.40	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	3.40	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.51	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	5.76	-3.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.53	20.59	-7.06

IVVM vs. ZALT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVVM Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the ZALT Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVVM and ZALT, 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

IVVM vs. ZALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVVM drawdown since its inception was -11.62%, which is greater than ZALT's maximum drawdown of -8.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVVM and ZALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVVM	ZALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.62%	-8.19%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.31%	-1.71%	-3.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.06%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.91%	-0.47%	-0.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	0.48%	+0.60%

Volatility

IVVM vs. ZALT - Volatility Comparison

iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) has a higher volatility of 1.88% compared to Innovator U.S. Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT) at 0.36%. This indicates that IVVM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ZALT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVVM	ZALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.88%	0.36%	+1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.76%	2.79%	+2.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.21%	4.11%	+3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.59%	6.31%	+3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.59%	6.31%	+3.28%

IVVM vs. ZALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVVM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than ZALT's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVVM vs. ZALT - Dividend Comparison

IVVM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.65%, while ZALT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	0.65%	0.68%	0.62%
ZALT Innovator U.S. Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVVM and ZALT in my portfolio?

IVVM and ZALT have a correlation of 0.81, 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 ZALT?

IVVM has higher volatility (1.88%) compared to ZALT (0.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVVM dropped -11.62% vs ZALT's -8.19%.

Which ETF is better, IVVM or ZALT?

On 1-year performance, IVVM leads with 14.52% vs 9.81% for ZALT. On fees, IVVM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ZALT has been the lower-risk option at 0.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVVM or ZALT?

Over the 1-year period, IVVM has performed better with a 14.52% return vs 9.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVVM or ZALT?

IVVM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for ZALT.

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

IVVM has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.00% for ZALT.

What is the main difference between IVVM and ZALT?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IVVM and 0.69% for ZALT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZALT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 2.03), 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.