PBAP vs. BSTP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PBAP (PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - April) and BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) are both Options Trading funds. PBAP is actively managed, while BSTP is passively managed. Over the past year, PBAP returned 12.34% vs 14.54% for BSTP. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBAP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BSTP.

Performance

PBAP vs. BSTP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - April (PBAP) and Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBAP achieves a 6.49% return, which is significantly higher than BSTP's 4.83% return.

PBAP

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 6.49%
• 6M: 6.58%
• 1Y: 12.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BSTP

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: -0.49%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 4.35%
• 1Y: 14.54%
• 3Y*: 13.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBAP vs. BSTP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PBAP PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - April	6.49%	6.34%	8.86%
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	4.83%	11.80%	9.76%

Correlation

The correlation between PBAP and BSTP is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2024	0.91

The correlation between PBAP and BSTP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PBAP vs. BSTP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBAP

PBAP Risk / Return Rank: 97
PBAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
PBAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PBAP Omega Ratio Rank: 98
PBAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
PBAP Martin Ratio Rank: 98

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 58
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 60
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

PBAP vs. BSTP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - April (PBAP) and Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP). 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.

	PBAP	BSTP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.86	1.76	+2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.36	2.48	+3.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.00	1.34	+0.66
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.58	2.34	+8.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	65.60	11.17	+54.43

PBAP vs. BSTP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBAP Sharpe Ratio is 3.86, which is higher than the BSTP Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBAP and BSTP, 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

PBAP vs. BSTP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBAP drawdown since its inception was -9.70%, smaller than the maximum BSTP drawdown of -16.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBAP and BSTP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBAP	BSTP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.70%	-16.69%	+6.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.17%	-6.23%	+5.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-1.48%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.78%	-3.49%	+2.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.19%	1.31%	-1.12%

Volatility

PBAP vs. BSTP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - April (PBAP) is 1.25%, while Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that PBAP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BSTP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBAP	BSTP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.25%	2.92%	-1.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.33%	6.61%	-4.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.24%	8.30%	-5.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.06%	12.10%	-5.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.06%	12.10%	-5.04%

PBAP vs. BSTP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBAP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BSTP's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBAP vs. BSTP - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBAP nor BSTP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBAP and BSTP in my portfolio?

PBAP and BSTP have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBAP or BSTP?

BSTP has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to PBAP (1.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBAP dropped -9.70% vs BSTP's -16.69%.

Which ETF is better, PBAP or BSTP?

On 1-year performance, BSTP leads with 14.54% vs 12.34% for PBAP. On fees, PBAP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PBAP has been the lower-risk option at 1.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBAP or BSTP?

Over the 1-year period, BSTP has performed better with a 14.54% return vs 12.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBAP or BSTP?

PBAP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BSTP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBAP or BSTP?

PBAP and BSTP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PBAP and BSTP?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PBAP and 0.89% for BSTP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.86 vs 1.76), 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.