MAXJ vs. ZMAY

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY).

MAXJ and ZMAY are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. MAXJ is an actively managed fund by iShares. It was launched on Jun 28, 2024. ZMAY is an actively managed fund by Innovator. It was launched on May 1, 2025.

Performance

MAXJ vs. ZMAY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

MAXJ vs. ZMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.14%	10.32%
ZMAY Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May	0.71%	4.67%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAXJ achieves a 0.14% return, which is significantly lower than ZMAY's 0.71% return.

MAXJ

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: -0.48%
• YTD: 0.14%
• 6M: 1.64%
• 1Y: 10.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZMAY

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 6M: 2.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAXJ vs. ZMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAXJ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than ZMAY's 0.79% expense ratio.

ZMAY

Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May

MAXJ

iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF

Return for Risk

MAXJ vs. ZMAY — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 90
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
MAXJ 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.

MAXJ vs. ZMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY). 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.

	MAXJ	ZMAY	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.87	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MAXJ	ZMAY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.43	3.96	-2.53

Correlation

The correlation between MAXJ and ZMAY is 0.68, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

MAXJ vs. ZMAY - Dividend Comparison

MAXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, while ZMAY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

	TTM	2025	2024
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	1.01%	1.01%	0.81%
ZMAY Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Drawdowns

MAXJ vs. ZMAY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAXJ drawdown since its inception was -6.35%, which is greater than ZMAY's maximum drawdown of -0.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAXJ and ZMAY.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAXJ	ZMAY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.35%	-0.39%	-5.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.88%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	0.00%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.61%	-0.05%	-0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.76%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MAXJ	ZMAY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.95%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.67%	1.50%	+4.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.50%	1.50%	+4.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.50%	1.50%	+4.00%