QBF vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QBF (Innovator Uncapped Bitcoin 20 Floor ETF - Quarterly) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QBF is a Blockchain fund actively managed by Innovator, while BUFF is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. QBF is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Over the past year, QBF returned -37.30% vs 13.10% for BUFF. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QBF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

QBF vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Uncapped Bitcoin 20 Floor ETF - Quarterly (QBF) 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, QBF achieves a -27.01% return, which is significantly lower than BUFF's 4.91% return.

QBF

• 1D: -3.18%
• 1M: -14.78%
• YTD: -27.01%
• 6M: -27.39%
• 1Y: -37.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 4.62%
• 1Y: 13.10%
• 3Y*: 11.92%
• 5Y*: 8.52%
• 10Y*: —

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

QBF vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QBF Innovator Uncapped Bitcoin 20 Floor ETF - Quarterly	-27.01%	-14.76%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	4.91%	9.06%

Correlation

The correlation between QBF and BUFF is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

QBF vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

QBF

QBF Risk / Return Rank: 1
QBF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
QBF Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
QBF Omega Ratio Rank: 1
QBF Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
QBF Martin Ratio Rank: 1

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 85
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

QBF vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Uncapped Bitcoin 20 Floor ETF - Quarterly (QBF) 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.

	QBF	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.38	2.51	-3.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.08	3.76	-5.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.78	1.51	-0.74
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.81	3.67	-4.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.43	19.13	-20.56

QBF vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QBF Sharpe Ratio is -1.38, which is lower than the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QBF 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

QBF vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QBF drawdown since its inception was -46.35%, roughly equal to the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QBF and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	QBF	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.35%	-46.23%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-46.35%	-3.58%	-42.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-10.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-45.44%	-0.74%	-44.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.82%	-6.15%	-11.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	26.21%	0.69%	+25.52%

Volatility

QBF vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Uncapped Bitcoin 20 Floor ETF - Quarterly (QBF) has a higher volatility of 10.57% compared to Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) at 1.73%. This indicates that QBF'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

	QBF	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.57%	1.73%	+8.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.27%	4.11%	+16.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.20%	5.27%	+21.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.01%	8.44%	+20.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.01%	17.63%	+11.38%

QBF vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

QBF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

QBF vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

QBF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, while BUFF has not 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%
QBF Innovator Uncapped Bitcoin 20 Floor ETF - Quarterly	1.89%	1.38%	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 QBF and BUFF in my portfolio?

QBF and BUFF have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QBF or BUFF?

QBF has higher volatility (10.57%) compared to BUFF (1.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QBF dropped -46.35% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, QBF or BUFF?

On 1-year performance, BUFF leads with 13.10% vs -37.30% for QBF. On fees, QBF is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, BUFF has been the lower-risk option at 1.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QBF or BUFF?

Over the 1-year period, BUFF has performed better with a 13.10% return vs -37.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QBF or BUFF?

QBF is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

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

QBF has the higher dividend yield at 1.89%, compared with 0.00% for BUFF.

What is the main difference between QBF and BUFF?

QBF is categorized as Blockchain, while BUFF is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for QBF and 0.89% for BUFF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs -1.38), 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.