QFLR vs. DDFS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QFLR (Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF) and DDFS (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September) are both exchange-traded funds - QFLR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Innovator, while DDFS is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by Innovator. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QFLR charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DDFS.

Performance

QFLR vs. DDFS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September (DDFS). 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 DDFS's 3.45% return.

QFLR

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

DDFS

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 3.45%
• 6M: 3.45%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QFLR vs. DDFS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	3.09%	8.41%
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	3.45%	3.42%

Correlation

The correlation between QFLR and DDFS is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 2, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

QFLR vs. DDFS — 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

DDFS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. DDFS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September (DDFS). 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	DDFS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	—	—

Drawdowns

QFLR vs. DDFS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QFLR drawdown since its inception was -13.97%, which is greater than DDFS's maximum drawdown of -2.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QFLR and DDFS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QFLR	DDFS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.97%	-2.29%	-11.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.02%	-0.32%	-3.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.51%	-0.30%	-2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QFLR	DDFS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.85%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	3.98%	+8.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.12%	3.98%	+9.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.12%	3.98%	+9.14%

QFLR vs. DDFS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QFLR has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than DDFS's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

QFLR vs. DDFS - Dividend Comparison

Neither QFLR nor DDFS has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
DDFS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - September	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 QFLR and DDFS in my portfolio?

QFLR and DDFS have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QFLR or DDFS?

On fees, DDFS is cheaper at 0.79% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QFLR or DDFS?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between QFLR and DDFS?

QFLR is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while DDFS is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for QFLR and 0.79% for DDFS.