PSTP vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PSTP (Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. PSTP is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSTP returned 10.79%/yr vs 12.10%/yr for BUFF. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.89% expense ratio.

Performance

PSTP vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSTP achieves a 3.77% return, which is significantly lower than BUFF's 5.42% return.

PSTP

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 3.77%
• 6M: 3.74%
• 1Y: 12.18%
• 3Y*: 10.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 5.42%
• 6M: 5.44%
• 1Y: 14.44%
• 3Y*: 12.10%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

PSTP vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PSTP Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	3.77%	10.36%	13.56%	13.64%	-2.85%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.42%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-0.17%

Correlation

The correlation between PSTP and BUFF is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2022	0.93

The correlation between PSTP and BUFF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSTP vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSTP

PSTP Risk / Return Rank: 58
PSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
PSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
PSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 59
PSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
PSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 65

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 89
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 91
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PSTP vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF). 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.

	PSTP	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.76	-0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	4.16	-1.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.57	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	4.05	-1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.43	21.13	-9.70

PSTP vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSTP Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is lower than the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSTP and BUFF, 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

PSTP vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSTP drawdown since its inception was -12.46%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSTP and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSTP	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.46%	-46.23%	+33.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.11%	-3.58%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.38%	-10.24%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-0.27%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.40%	-6.15%	+3.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.07%	0.68%	+0.39%

Volatility

PSTP vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) has a higher volatility of 2.01% compared to Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) at 1.66%. This indicates that PSTP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSTP	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.01%	1.66%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.36%	4.08%	+1.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.57%	5.26%	+1.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.24%	8.44%	+0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.24%	17.63%	-8.39%

PSTP vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PSTP and BUFF have an expense ratio of 0.89%.

Dividends

PSTP vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither PSTP nor BUFF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.78%	1.26%	1.74%	1.55%	0.18%
PSTP Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSTP and BUFF in my portfolio?

PSTP and BUFF have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSTP or BUFF?

PSTP has higher volatility (2.01%) compared to BUFF (1.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSTP dropped -12.46% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, PSTP or BUFF?

On 3-year performance, BUFF leads with 12.10% vs 10.79% for PSTP. Both ETFs have the same 0.89% expense ratio. On volatility, BUFF has been the lower-risk option at 1.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSTP or BUFF?

Over the 3-year period, BUFF has performed better with a 12.10% return vs 10.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSTP or BUFF?

PSTP and BUFF have the same expense ratio: 0.89% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSTP or BUFF?

PSTP and BUFF have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.76 vs 1.86), 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.