PBJN vs. ZAPR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PBJN (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - June) and ZAPR (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PBJN returned 8.67% vs 6.50% for ZAPR. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PBJN charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for ZAPR.

Performance

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - June (PBJN) 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, PBJN achieves a 2.33% return, which is significantly lower than ZAPR's 3.01% return.

PBJN

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -0.85%
• YTD: 2.33%
• 6M: 2.35%
• 1Y: 8.67%
• 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)

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBJN PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - June	2.33%	12.74%
ZAPR Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April	3.01%	5.31%

Correlation

The correlation between PBJN and ZAPR is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2025	0.66

The correlation between PBJN and ZAPR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PBJN vs. ZAPR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBJN

PBJN Risk / Return Rank: 79
PBJN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
PBJN Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
PBJN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
PBJN Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
PBJN Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - June (PBJN) 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.

	PBJN	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	4.48	-2.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	7.98	-5.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	2.13	-0.69
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	16.26	-12.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.20	73.32	-54.12

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBJN Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is lower than the ZAPR Sharpe Ratio of 4.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBJN 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

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBJN drawdown since its inception was -8.70%, which is greater than ZAPR's maximum drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBJN and ZAPR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBJN	ZAPR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.70%	-1.72%	-6.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.40%	-0.40%	-2.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-0.30%	-0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.61%	-0.09%	-0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.45%	0.09%	+0.36%

Volatility

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Volatility Comparison

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - June (PBJN) has a higher volatility of 2.07% compared to Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR) at 0.52%. This indicates that PBJN'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

	PBJN	ZAPR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.07%	0.52%	+1.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.57%	1.11%	+2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.25%	1.48%	+2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.37%	2.49%	+4.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.37%	2.49%	+4.88%

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBJN has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than ZAPR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBJN vs. ZAPR - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBJN nor ZAPR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBJN and ZAPR in my portfolio?

PBJN and ZAPR have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBJN or ZAPR?

PBJN has higher volatility (2.07%) compared to ZAPR (0.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBJN dropped -8.70% vs ZAPR's -1.72%.

Which ETF is better, PBJN or ZAPR?

On 1-year performance, PBJN leads with 8.67% vs 6.50% for ZAPR. On fees, PBJN is cheaper at 0.50% 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, PBJN or ZAPR?

Over the 1-year period, PBJN has performed better with a 8.67% return vs 6.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBJN or ZAPR?

PBJN is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZAPR.

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

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

What is the main difference between PBJN and ZAPR?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PBJN and 0.79% for ZAPR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZAPR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.48 vs 2.06), 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.