MAYM vs. ZAPR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MAYM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May) and ZAPR (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MAYM returned 5.35% vs 6.50% for ZAPR. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MAYM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for ZAPR.

Performance

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAYM achieves a 1.91% return, which is significantly lower than ZAPR's 3.01% return.

MAYM

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 1.91%
• 6M: 1.97%
• 1Y: 5.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZAPR

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 3.01%
• 6M: 3.01%
• 1Y: 6.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MAYM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May	1.91%	4.14%
ZAPR Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April	3.01%	4.16%

Correlation

The correlation between MAYM and ZAPR is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2025	0.67

The correlation between MAYM and ZAPR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MAYM vs. ZAPR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAYM

MAYM Risk / Return Rank: 92
MAYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
MAYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
MAYM Omega Ratio Rank: 95
MAYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
MAYM Martin Ratio Rank: 95

ZAPR

ZAPR Risk / Return Rank: 98
ZAPR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
ZAPR Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR Omega Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR 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.

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). 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.

	MAYM	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	4.48	-1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.19	7.98	-3.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	2.13	-0.46
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.41	16.26	-11.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.32	73.32	-47.00

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is lower than the ZAPR Sharpe Ratio of 4.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAYM and ZAPR, 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

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAYM drawdown since its inception was -1.22%, smaller than the maximum ZAPR drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAYM and ZAPR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAYM	ZAPR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.22%	-1.72%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.22%	-0.40%	-0.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-0.30%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.09%	-0.09%	0.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.20%	0.09%	+0.11%

Volatility

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) has a higher volatility of 0.96% compared to Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR) at 0.52%. This indicates that MAYM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ZAPR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MAYM	ZAPR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.96%	0.52%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.74%	1.11%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01%	1.48%	+0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.02%	2.49%	-0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.02%	2.49%	-0.47%

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAYM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than ZAPR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAYM vs. ZAPR - Dividend Comparison

Neither MAYM nor ZAPR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAYM and ZAPR in my portfolio?

MAYM and ZAPR have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAYM or ZAPR?

MAYM has higher volatility (0.96%) compared to ZAPR (0.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAYM dropped -1.22% vs ZAPR's -1.72%.

Which ETF is better, MAYM or ZAPR?

On 1-year performance, ZAPR leads with 6.50% vs 5.35% for MAYM. On fees, ZAPR is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, ZAPR has been the lower-risk option at 0.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAYM or ZAPR?

Over the 1-year period, ZAPR has performed better with a 6.50% return vs 5.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAYM or ZAPR?

ZAPR is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MAYM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MAYM or ZAPR?

MAYM and ZAPR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between MAYM and ZAPR?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MAYM and 0.79% for ZAPR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZAPR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.48 vs 2.72), 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.