JULB vs. DDFN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) and DDFN (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JULB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DDFN.

Performance

JULB vs. DDFN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November (DDFN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JULB achieves a 6.35% return, which is significantly higher than DDFN's 4.46% return.

JULB

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 6.35%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DDFN

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 4.46%
• 6M: 5.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JULB vs. DDFN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.35%	1.03%
DDFN Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November	4.46%	0.64%

Correlation

The correlation between JULB and DDFN is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

JULB vs. DDFN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November (DDFN). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	JULB	DDFN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.17	1.73	+0.44

Drawdowns

JULB vs. DDFN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JULB drawdown since its inception was -5.24%, which is greater than DDFN's maximum drawdown of -3.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JULB and DDFN.

Drawdown Indicators

	JULB	DDFN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-3.40%	-1.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.22%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-0.47%	-0.40%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JULB	DDFN	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.81%	5.26%	+1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.81%	5.26%	+1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.81%	5.26%	+1.55%

JULB vs. DDFN - Expense Ratio Comparison

JULB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DDFN's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

JULB vs. DDFN - Dividend Comparison

Neither JULB nor DDFN has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JULB and DDFN in my portfolio?

JULB and DDFN have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, JULB or DDFN?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, JULB or DDFN?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDFN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JULB or DDFN?

JULB and DDFN have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between JULB and DDFN?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for JULB and 0.79% for DDFN.