NAUG vs. ZMAY
NAUG (Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF) and ZMAY (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, NAUG returned 17.77% vs 5.47% for ZMAY. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.79% expense ratio.
Performance
NAUG vs. ZMAY - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NAUG achieves a 6.85% return, which is significantly higher than ZMAY's 1.95% return.
NAUG
- 1D
- -0.00%
- 1M
- 0.63%
- YTD
- 6.85%
- 6M
- 6.88%
- 1Y
- 17.77%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
ZMAY
- 1D
- -0.04%
- 1M
- 0.02%
- YTD
- 1.95%
- 6M
- 2.11%
- 1Y
- 5.47%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
NAUG vs. ZMAY - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
NAUG Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF | 6.85% | 17.87% |
ZMAY Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May | 1.95% | 4.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between NAUG and ZMAY is 0.63, 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 | 0.63 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2025 | 0.62 |
The correlation between NAUG and ZMAY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
NAUG vs. ZMAY — Risk / Return Rank
NAUG
ZMAY
NAUG vs. ZMAY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF (NAUG) 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.
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.
| NAUG | ZMAY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.99 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.19 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.49 | 1.78 | -0.29 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.50 | 7.83 | -4.33 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 17.06 | 46.52 | -29.46 |
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Drawdowns
NAUG vs. ZMAY - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NAUG drawdown since its inception was -12.88%, which is greater than ZMAY's maximum drawdown of -0.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NAUG and ZMAY.
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Drawdown Indicators
| NAUG | ZMAY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -12.88% | -0.70% | -12.18% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.10% | -0.70% | -4.40% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.00% | -0.31% | +0.31% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.20% | -0.07% | -1.13% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.04% | 0.12% | +0.92% |
Volatility
NAUG vs. ZMAY - Volatility Comparison
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF (NAUG) has a higher volatility of 1.23% compared to Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY) at 0.78%. This indicates that NAUG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ZMAY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| NAUG | ZMAY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.23% | 0.78% | +0.45% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 5.50% | 1.28% | +4.22% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 7.29% | 1.60% | +5.69% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 11.15% | 1.69% | +9.46% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 11.15% | 1.69% | +9.46% |
NAUG vs. ZMAY - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both NAUG and ZMAY have an expense ratio of 0.79%.
Dividends
NAUG vs. ZMAY - Dividend Comparison
Neither NAUG nor ZMAY has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
NAUG and ZMAY have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
NAUG has higher volatility (1.23%) compared to ZMAY (0.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NAUG dropped -12.88% vs ZMAY's -0.70%.
On 1-year performance, NAUG leads with 17.77% vs 5.47% for ZMAY. Both ETFs have the same 0.79% expense ratio. On volatility, ZMAY has been the lower-risk option at 0.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, NAUG has performed better with a 17.77% return vs 5.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
NAUG and ZMAY have the same expense ratio: 0.79% per year.
NAUG and ZMAY have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
ZMAY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.44 vs 2.45), 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.
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