PSTP vs. ZAPR

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PSTP (Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) and ZAPR (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PSTP returned 11.84% vs 6.92% for ZAPR. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSTP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for ZAPR.

Performance

PSTP vs. ZAPR - 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 Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PSTP having a 3.11% return and ZAPR slightly lower at 2.99%.

PSTP

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

ZAPR

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 2.99%
• 6M: 3.39%
• 1Y: 6.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSTP vs. ZAPR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PSTP Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	3.11%	12.17%
ZAPR Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April	2.99%	5.29%

Correlation

The correlation between PSTP 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 2, 2025	0.66

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

Return for Risk

PSTP vs. ZAPR — 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

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.

PSTP vs. ZAPR - 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 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.

	PSTP	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	4.66	-2.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	8.30	-5.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	2.21	-0.86
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	17.30	-14.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.26	87.14	-75.88
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. ZAPR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSTP Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is lower than the ZAPR Sharpe Ratio of 4.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSTP 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PSTP	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	4.66	-2.83
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.95	2.84	-1.89

Drawdowns

PSTP vs. ZAPR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSTP drawdown since its inception was -12.46%, which is greater than ZAPR's maximum drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSTP and ZAPR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSTP	ZAPR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.46%	-1.72%	-10.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.11%	-0.40%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.10%	-0.28%	-0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-0.09%	-2.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	0.08%	+0.97%

Volatility

PSTP vs. ZAPR - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) has a higher volatility of 1.55% compared to Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR) at 0.48%. This indicates that PSTP'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

	PSTP	ZAPR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.55%	0.48%	+1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.26%	1.05%	+4.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.51%	1.49%	+5.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.25%	2.52%	+6.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.25%	2.52%	+6.73%

PSTP vs. ZAPR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSTP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than ZAPR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSTP vs. ZAPR - Dividend Comparison

Neither PSTP nor ZAPR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSTP and ZAPR in my portfolio?

PSTP 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, PSTP or ZAPR?

PSTP has higher volatility (1.55%) compared to ZAPR (0.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSTP dropped -12.46% vs ZAPR's -1.72%.

Which ETF is better, PSTP or ZAPR?

On 1-year performance, PSTP leads with 11.84% vs 6.92% for ZAPR. On fees, ZAPR is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, ZAPR has been the lower-risk option at 0.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSTP or ZAPR?

Over the 1-year period, PSTP has performed better with a 11.84% return vs 6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSTP or ZAPR?

ZAPR is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for PSTP.

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

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

What is the main difference between PSTP and ZAPR?

Their fees differ too: 0.89% for PSTP and 0.79% for ZAPR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZAPR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.66 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.