QBUF vs. XTAP

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) and XTAP (Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated Plus ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QBUF is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Invesco QQQ Trust, while XTAP is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Innovator. QBUF is passively managed, while XTAP is actively managed. Over the past year, QBUF returned 10.55% vs 18.71% for XTAP. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.79% expense ratio.

Performance

QBUF vs. XTAP - 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 U.S. Equity Accelerated Plus ETF (XTAP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QBUF achieves a 4.52% return, which is significantly lower than XTAP's 12.05% return.

QBUF

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -0.21%
• 6M: 3.79%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 1Y: 10.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XTAP

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 1.46%
• 6M: 11.75%
• YTD: 12.05%
• 1Y: 18.71%
• 3Y*: 16.85%
• 5Y*: 10.83%
• 10Y*: —

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

QBUF vs. XTAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	4.52%	11.08%	5.90%
XTAP Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated Plus ETF	12.05%	17.58%	6.92%

Correlation

The correlation between QBUF and XTAP is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2024	0.76

The correlation between QBUF and XTAP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

QBUF vs. XTAP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QBUF	XTAP
Technology	50.7%	35.7%
Communication Services	15.8%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	8.7%	4.9%
Healthcare	5.1%	8.5%
Industrials	3.3%	8.3%
Utilities	1.6%	2.4%
Basic Materials	1.3%	1.8%
Energy	0.7%	3.5%
Financial Services	0.2%	11.6%
Real Estate	0.1%	1.9%

Return for Risk

QBUF vs. XTAP — 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: 75
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

XTAP

XTAP Risk / Return Rank: 98
XTAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
XTAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
XTAP Omega Ratio Rank: 98
XTAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
XTAP Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. XTAP - 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 U.S. Equity Accelerated Plus ETF (XTAP). 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	XTAP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	3.95	-2.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	6.57	-3.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	2.01	-0.62
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.59	10.95	-6.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.35	58.10	-42.76

QBUF vs. XTAP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QBUF Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is lower than the XTAP Sharpe Ratio of 3.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QBUF and XTAP, 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. XTAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QBUF drawdown since its inception was -8.84%, smaller than the maximum XTAP drawdown of -22.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QBUF and XTAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	QBUF	XTAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-22.13%	+13.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.31%	-1.72%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.83%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-0.02%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-3.39%	+2.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.69%	0.32%	+0.37%

Volatility

QBUF vs. XTAP - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) has a higher volatility of 1.93% compared to Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated Plus ETF (XTAP) at 1.63%. This indicates that QBUF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XTAP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QBUF	XTAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.93%	1.63%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.93%	3.81%	+0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.52%	4.76%	+0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.34%	14.55%	-6.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.34%	14.29%	-5.95%

QBUF vs. XTAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both QBUF and XTAP have an expense ratio of 0.79%.

Dividends

QBUF vs. XTAP - Dividend Comparison

Neither QBUF nor XTAP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QBUF and XTAP in my portfolio?

QBUF and XTAP have a correlation of 0.72, 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 XTAP?

QBUF has higher volatility (1.93%) compared to XTAP (1.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QBUF dropped -8.84% vs XTAP's -22.13%.

Which ETF is better, QBUF or XTAP?

On 1-year performance, XTAP leads with 18.71% vs 10.55% for QBUF. Both ETFs have the same 0.79% expense ratio. On volatility, XTAP has been the lower-risk option at 1.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QBUF or XTAP?

Over the 1-year period, XTAP has performed better with a 18.71% return vs 10.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QBUF or XTAP?

QBUF and XTAP have the same expense ratio: 0.79% per year.

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

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

What is the main difference between QBUF and XTAP?

QBUF is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while XTAP is Leveraged Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.95 vs 1.92), 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.