KAUG vs. JULB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

KAUG (Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KAUG charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

KAUG vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF (KAUG) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with KAUG having a 8.31% return and JULB slightly lower at 8.05%.

KAUG

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.63%
• 6M: 5.43%
• YTD: 8.31%
• 1Y: 14.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.40%
• 6M: 7.20%
• YTD: 8.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KAUG vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KAUG Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF	8.31%	1.65%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	8.05%	2.44%

Correlation

The correlation between KAUG and JULB is 0.77, 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 14, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

KAUG vs. JULB — Risk / Return Rank

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

KAUG

KAUG Risk / Return Rank: 82
KAUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
KAUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
KAUG Omega Ratio Rank: 81
KAUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
KAUG Martin Ratio Rank: 86

JULB

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

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.

KAUG vs. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator U.S. Small Cap Power Buffer ETF (KAUG) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). 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.

	KAUG	JULB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.82	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.08	—	—

Drawdowns

KAUG vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KAUG drawdown since its inception was -15.66%, which is greater than JULB's maximum drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KAUG and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	KAUG	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.66%	-5.24%	-10.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.23%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.75%	-0.78%	-1.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.07%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KAUG	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.45%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.90%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.75%	6.69%	+1.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.97%	6.69%	+4.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.97%	6.69%	+4.28%

KAUG vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

KAUG has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than JULB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

KAUG vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither KAUG nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KAUG and JULB in my portfolio?

KAUG and JULB have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KAUG or JULB?

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, KAUG or JULB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between KAUG and JULB?

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