QFLR vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QFLR (Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QFLR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Innovator, while BUFF is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. QFLR is actively managed, while BUFF is passively managed. Over the past year, QFLR returned 19.39% vs 12.48% for BUFF. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.89% expense ratio.

Performance

QFLR vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) 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, QFLR achieves a 3.09% return, which is significantly lower than BUFF's 5.01% return.

QFLR

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 3.09%
• 6M: 2.26%
• 1Y: 19.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 5.01%
• 6M: 4.59%
• 1Y: 12.48%
• 3Y*: 11.96%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: —

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

QFLR vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	3.09%	17.27%	16.30%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	5.01%	11.02%	10.99%

Correlation

The correlation between QFLR and BUFF is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2024	0.80

The correlation between QFLR and BUFF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QFLR vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

QFLR

QFLR Risk / Return Rank: 53
QFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
QFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 51
QFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
QFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 62

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 85
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

QFLR vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	QFLR	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	2.41	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	3.59	-1.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.49	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	3.50	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	18.19	-8.14

QFLR vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QFLR Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is lower than the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QFLR 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

QFLR vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QFLR drawdown since its inception was -13.97%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QFLR and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	QFLR	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.97%	-46.23%	+32.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.61%	-3.58%	-4.03%
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	-4.02%	-0.65%	-3.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.51%	-6.15%	+3.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	0.69%	+1.24%

Volatility

QFLR vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) has a higher volatility of 6.55% compared to Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) at 1.73%. This indicates that QFLR'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

	QFLR	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	1.73%	+4.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.85%	4.10%	+5.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	5.23%	+7.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.12%	8.44%	+4.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.12%	17.63%	-4.51%

QFLR vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both QFLR and BUFF have an expense ratio of 0.89%.

Dividends

QFLR vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither QFLR nor BUFF has 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%
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	0.00%	0.02%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QFLR and BUFF in my portfolio?

QFLR and BUFF have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QFLR or BUFF?

QFLR has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to BUFF (1.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QFLR dropped -13.97% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, QFLR or BUFF?

On 1-year performance, QFLR leads with 19.39% vs 12.48% for BUFF. Both ETFs have the same 0.89% expense ratio. 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, QFLR or BUFF?

Over the 1-year period, QFLR has performed better with a 19.39% return vs 12.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QFLR or BUFF?

QFLR and BUFF have the same expense ratio: 0.89% per year.

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

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

What is the main difference between QFLR and BUFF?

QFLR is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while BUFF is Defined Outcome.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.53), 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.