KBUF vs. BSEP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

KBUF (KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2026 ETF) and BSEP (Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September) are both exchange-traded funds - KBUF is a Options Trading fund actively managed by KraneShares, while BSEP is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. KBUF is actively managed, while BSEP is passively managed. Over the past year, KBUF returned -7.35% vs 20.04% for BSEP. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KBUF charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for BSEP.

Performance

KBUF vs. BSEP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2026 ETF (KBUF) and Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (BSEP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KBUF achieves a -14.97% return, which is significantly lower than BSEP's 6.76% return.

KBUF

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: -4.12%
• YTD: -14.97%
• 6M: -15.54%
• 1Y: -7.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BSEP

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.70%
• YTD: 6.76%
• 6M: 6.55%
• 1Y: 20.04%
• 3Y*: 15.97%
• 5Y*: 10.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

KBUF vs. BSEP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KBUF KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2026 ETF	-14.97%	18.04%	15.85%
BSEP Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September	6.76%	14.80%	13.04%

Correlation

The correlation between KBUF and BSEP is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2024	0.37

Return for Risk

KBUF vs. BSEP — Risk / Return Rank

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

KBUF

KBUF Risk / Return Rank: 5
KBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
KBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
KBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 4
KBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
KBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 5

BSEP

BSEP Risk / Return Rank: 83
BSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
BSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 86
BSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
BSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

KBUF vs. BSEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2026 ETF (KBUF) and Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (BSEP). 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.

	KBUF	BSEP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.56	2.58	-3.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.72	3.69	-4.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	1.50	-0.59
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.37	3.53	-3.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.87	17.51	-18.38

KBUF vs. BSEP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KBUF Sharpe Ratio is -0.56, which is lower than the BSEP Sharpe Ratio of 2.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KBUF and BSEP, 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

KBUF vs. BSEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KBUF drawdown since its inception was -19.99%, smaller than the maximum BSEP drawdown of -23.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KBUF and BSEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	KBUF	BSEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.99%	-23.98%	+3.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.99%	-5.70%	-14.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.02%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.99%	-0.25%	-19.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.44%	-2.73%	-1.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.49%	1.15%	+7.34%

Volatility

KBUF vs. BSEP - Volatility Comparison

KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2026 ETF (KBUF) has a higher volatility of 4.18% compared to Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (BSEP) at 1.87%. This indicates that KBUF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BSEP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KBUF	BSEP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.18%	1.87%	+2.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.69%	5.98%	+4.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.16%	7.82%	+5.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.29%	11.63%	+2.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.29%	13.73%	+0.56%

KBUF vs. BSEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

KBUF has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than BSEP's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

KBUF vs. BSEP - Dividend Comparison

KBUF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.83%, while BSEP has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BSEP Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.39%
KBUF KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2026 ETF	8.83%	7.51%	3.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KBUF and BSEP in my portfolio?

KBUF and BSEP have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KBUF or BSEP?

KBUF has higher volatility (4.18%) compared to BSEP (1.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KBUF dropped -19.99% vs BSEP's -23.98%.

Which ETF is better, KBUF or BSEP?

On 1-year performance, BSEP leads with 20.04% vs -7.35% for KBUF. On fees, BSEP is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BSEP has been the lower-risk option at 1.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KBUF or BSEP?

Over the 1-year period, BSEP has performed better with a 20.04% return vs -7.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KBUF or BSEP?

BSEP is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for KBUF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KBUF or BSEP?

KBUF has the higher dividend yield at 8.83%, compared with 0.00% for BSEP.

What is the main difference between KBUF and BSEP?

KBUF is categorized as Options Trading, while BSEP is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for KBUF and 0.79% for BSEP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSEP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs -0.56), 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.