QBUF vs. QFLR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) and QFLR (Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds from Innovator. QBUF is passively managed, while QFLR is actively managed. Over the past year, QBUF returned 11.57% vs 20.74% for QFLR. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QBUF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for QFLR.

Performance

QBUF vs. QFLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QBUF achieves a 4.88% return, which is significantly higher than QFLR's 3.27% return.

QBUF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 4.88%
• 6M: 4.08%
• 1Y: 11.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QFLR

• 1D: -2.77%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 3.27%
• 6M: 2.61%
• 1Y: 20.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QBUF vs. QFLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	4.88%	11.08%	5.90%
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	3.27%	17.27%	6.64%

Correlation

The correlation between QBUF and QFLR is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2024	0.79

The correlation between QBUF and QFLR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QBUF vs. QFLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

QBUF

QBUF Risk / Return Rank: 83
QBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 85
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
QBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 87

QFLR

QFLR Risk / Return Rank: 54
QFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 53
QFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
QFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

QBUF vs. QFLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR). 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.

	QBUF	QFLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.63	+0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.18	+0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.31	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.03	2.74	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.26	10.85	+6.41

QBUF vs. QFLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QBUF Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is higher than the QFLR Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QBUF and QFLR, 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

QBUF vs. QFLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QBUF drawdown since its inception was -8.84%, smaller than the maximum QFLR drawdown of -13.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QBUF and QFLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	QBUF	QFLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-13.97%	+5.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.31%	-7.61%	+5.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.86%	+3.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.80%	-2.50%	+1.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	1.92%	-1.25%

Volatility

QBUF vs. QFLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) is 0.41%, while Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) has a volatility of 6.59%. This indicates that QBUF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QFLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QBUF	QFLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.41%	6.59%	-6.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.68%	9.90%	-6.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.25%	12.77%	-7.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.35%	13.13%	-4.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.35%	13.13%	-4.78%

QBUF vs. QFLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

QBUF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than QFLR's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

QBUF vs. QFLR - Dividend Comparison

Neither QBUF nor QFLR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	0.00%	0.02%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QBUF and QFLR in my portfolio?

QBUF and QFLR have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QBUF or QFLR?

QFLR has higher volatility (6.59%) compared to QBUF (0.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QBUF dropped -8.84% vs QFLR's -13.97%.

Which ETF is better, QBUF or QFLR?

On 1-year performance, QFLR leads with 20.74% vs 11.57% for QBUF. On fees, QBUF is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, QBUF has been the lower-risk option at 0.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QBUF or QFLR?

Over the 1-year period, QFLR has performed better with a 20.74% return vs 11.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QBUF or QFLR?

QBUF is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for QFLR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QBUF or QFLR?

QBUF and QFLR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between QBUF and QFLR?

Their fees differ too: 0.79% for QBUF and 0.89% for QFLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QBUF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.63), 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.