PSTP vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PSTP (Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSTP is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Innovator, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSTP returned 10.90%/yr vs 11.44%/yr for FAAR. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. PSTP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

PSTP vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSTP achieves a 3.11% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 23.61% return.

PSTP

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 3.31%
• 1Y: 11.84%
• 3Y*: 10.90%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: -0.63%
• YTD: 23.61%
• 6M: 19.86%
• 1Y: 37.34%
• 3Y*: 11.44%
• 5Y*: 7.71%
• 10Y*: 4.99%

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

PSTP vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PSTP Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	3.11%	10.36%	13.56%	13.64%	-2.80%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	23.61%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.63%	-10.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PSTP and FAAR is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 9, 2022	-0.01

The correlation between PSTP and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.12 (1 year) to -0.01 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSTP vs. FAAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSTP	FAAR
Technology	36.2%	-
Financial Services	11.9%	100.0%
Communication Services	10.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.4%	-
Industrials	8.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.3%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

PSTP vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSTP

PSTP Risk / Return Rank: 59
PSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
PSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 62
PSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
PSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 66

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 89
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 82
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR 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. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	PSTP	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	2.77	-0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	3.89	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.47	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	7.74	-5.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.26	21.53	-10.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSTP vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSTP Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSTP and FAAR, 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

	PSTP	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	2.77	-0.94
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.43	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.95	0.43	+0.52

Drawdowns

PSTP vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSTP drawdown since its inception was -12.46%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSTP and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSTP	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.46%	-18.03%	+5.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.11%	-4.85%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.38%	-11.54%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-2.77%	+1.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-7.84%	+5.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	1.74%	-0.69%

Volatility

PSTP vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) is 1.55%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.43%. This indicates that PSTP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSTP	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.55%	2.43%	-0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.26%	9.79%	-4.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.51%	13.55%	-7.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.25%	13.02%	-3.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.25%	11.52%	-2.27%

PSTP vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSTP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSTP vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

PSTP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FAAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.31%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.31%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSTP and FAAR in my portfolio?

PSTP and FAAR have a correlation of -0.12, 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 FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.43%) compared to PSTP (1.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSTP dropped -12.46% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, PSTP or FAAR?

On 3-year performance, FAAR leads with 11.44% vs 10.90% for PSTP. On fees, PSTP is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, PSTP has been the lower-risk option at 1.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSTP or FAAR?

Over the 3-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 11.44% return vs 10.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSTP or FAAR?

PSTP is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.31%, compared with 0.00% for PSTP.

What is the main difference between PSTP and FAAR?

PSTP is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for PSTP and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.77 vs 1.83), 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.