JULB vs. MMAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) and MMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. JULB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for MMAX.

Performance

JULB vs. MMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX). 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 MMAX's 3.09% return.

JULB

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

MMAX

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 3.09%
• 6M: 3.75%
• 1Y: 7.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JULB vs. MMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.35%	2.56%
MMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF	3.09%	1.58%

Correlation

The correlation between JULB and MMAX is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2025	0.66

Return for Risk

JULB vs. MMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMAX

MMAX Risk / Return Rank: 99
MMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
MMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
MMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
MMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
MMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

JULB vs. MMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX). 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	MMAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	5.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.17	3.13	-0.96

Drawdowns

JULB vs. MMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JULB drawdown since its inception was -5.24%, which is greater than MMAX's maximum drawdown of -1.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JULB and MMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	JULB	MMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-1.93%	-3.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.34%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.13%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-0.10%	-0.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.07%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JULB	MMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.96%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.81%	1.39%	+5.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.81%	2.49%	+4.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.81%	2.49%	+4.32%

JULB vs. MMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

JULB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than MMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

JULB vs. MMAX - Dividend Comparison

JULB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%.

Position	TTM	2025
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
MMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF	1.27%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JULB and MMAX in my portfolio?

JULB and MMAX have a correlation of 0.66, 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 MMAX?

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 MMAX?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for MMAX.

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

MMAX has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.00% for JULB.

What is the main difference between JULB and MMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for JULB and 0.50% for MMAX.