NBFR vs. BALT

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NBFR (Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed 10 Buffer ETF) and BALT (Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. NBFR is actively managed, while BALT is passively managed. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NBFR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BALT.

Performance

NBFR vs. BALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed 10 Buffer ETF (NBFR) and Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NBFR

• 1D: -4.05%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BALT

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 1.97%
• 6M: 2.77%
• 1Y: 7.12%
• 3Y*: 7.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NBFR vs. BALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NBFR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed 10 Buffer ETF	3.19%
BALT Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF	1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between NBFR and BALT is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2026	0.48

Return for Risk

NBFR vs. BALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BALT

BALT Risk / Return Rank: 93
BALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
BALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
BALT Omega Ratio Rank: 95
BALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
BALT Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

NBFR vs. BALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed 10 Buffer ETF (NBFR) and Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NBFR	BALT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.26	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	1.80	-0.90

Drawdowns

NBFR vs. BALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBFR drawdown since its inception was -5.68%, which is greater than BALT's maximum drawdown of -4.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBFR and BALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBFR	BALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.68%	-4.89%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.15%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.55%	-0.06%	-4.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.33%	-0.34%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.31%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NBFR	BALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.38%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.56%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.14%	2.19%	+10.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.14%	3.31%	+9.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.14%	3.31%	+9.83%

NBFR vs. BALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBFR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than BALT's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBFR vs. BALT - Dividend Comparison

NBFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, while BALT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
BALT Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF	0.00%
NBFR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed 10 Buffer ETF	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBFR and BALT in my portfolio?

NBFR and BALT have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NBFR or BALT?

On fees, BALT is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBFR or BALT?

BALT is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for NBFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NBFR or BALT?

NBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.02%, compared with 0.00% for BALT.

What is the main difference between NBFR and BALT?

Their fees differ too: 0.79% for NBFR and 0.69% for BALT.