PBFB vs. BSTP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PBFB (PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February) and BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) are both Options Trading funds. PBFB is actively managed, while BSTP is passively managed. Over the past year, PBFB returned 13.63% vs 16.71% for BSTP. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBFB charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BSTP.

Performance

PBFB vs. BSTP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February (PBFB) 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, PBFB achieves a 4.68% return, which is significantly lower than BSTP's 6.07% return.

PBFB

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.70%
• YTD: 4.68%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 13.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BSTP

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 3.05%
• YTD: 6.07%
• 6M: 6.56%
• 1Y: 16.71%
• 3Y*: 14.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBFB vs. BSTP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PBFB PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February	4.68%	9.86%	10.00%
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	6.07%	11.80%	14.54%

Correlation

The correlation between PBFB and BSTP is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2024	0.92

The correlation between PBFB and BSTP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PBFB vs. BSTP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBFB

PBFB Risk / Return Rank: 86
PBFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
PBFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
PBFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
PBFB Martin Ratio Rank: 88

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 65
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 69
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

PBFB vs. BSTP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February (PBFB) 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.

	PBFB	BSTP	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.87	2.12	+0.76
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.27	3.01	+1.27
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.41	+0.19
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	2.69	+0.92
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	19.17	13.18	+5.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PBFB vs. BSTP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBFB Sharpe Ratio is 2.87, which is higher than the BSTP Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBFB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PBFB	BSTP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.87	2.12	+0.76
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.67	0.91	+0.76

Drawdowns

PBFB vs. BSTP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBFB drawdown since its inception was -8.65%, smaller than the maximum BSTP drawdown of -16.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBFB and BSTP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBFB	BSTP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.65%	-16.69%	+8.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.79%	-6.23%	+2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.32%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-3.52%	+2.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.71%	1.27%	-0.56%

Volatility

PBFB vs. BSTP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February (PBFB) is 0.75%, while Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) has a volatility of 1.52%. This indicates that PBFB 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

	PBFB	BSTP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.75%	1.52%	-0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.71%	6.15%	-2.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.77%	7.93%	-3.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.39%	12.11%	-5.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.39%	12.11%	-5.72%

PBFB vs. BSTP - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PBFB vs. BSTP - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBFB nor BSTP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBFB and BSTP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, PBFB and BSTP move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PBFB or BSTP?

BSTP has higher volatility (1.52%) compared to PBFB (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBFB dropped -8.65% vs BSTP's -16.69%.

Which ETF is better, PBFB or BSTP?

On 1-year performance, BSTP leads with 16.71% vs 13.63% for PBFB. On fees, PBFB is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PBFB has been the lower-risk option at 0.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBFB or BSTP?

Over the 1-year period, BSTP has performed better with a 16.71% return vs 13.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBFB or BSTP?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PBFB and BSTP?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.87 vs 2.12), 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.