SHDG vs. AJUL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SHDG (Soundwatch Hedged Equity ETF) and AJUL (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr To July 2026) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SHDG returned 12.02% vs 9.03% for AJUL. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SHDG charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for AJUL.

Performance

SHDG vs. AJUL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Soundwatch Hedged Equity ETF (SHDG) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr To July 2026 (AJUL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHDG achieves a 1.16% return, which is significantly lower than AJUL's 3.29% return.

SHDG

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 1.16%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 12.02%
• 3Y*: 12.13%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AJUL

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 3.29%
• 6M: 3.39%
• 1Y: 9.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SHDG vs. AJUL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SHDG Soundwatch Hedged Equity ETF	1.16%	11.46%	6.90%
AJUL Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr To July 2026	3.29%	7.63%	4.61%

Correlation

The correlation between SHDG and AJUL is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2024	0.89

The correlation between SHDG and AJUL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SHDG vs. AJUL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHDG

SHDG Risk / Return Rank: 44
SHDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SHDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SHDG Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SHDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SHDG Martin Ratio Rank: 43

AJUL

AJUL Risk / Return Rank: 91
AJUL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
AJUL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
AJUL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
AJUL Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
AJUL Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

SHDG vs. AJUL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Soundwatch Hedged Equity ETF (SHDG) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr To July 2026 (AJUL). 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.

	SHDG	AJUL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.89	-1.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	4.64	-2.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.67	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	4.14	-2.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.74	24.56	-17.82

SHDG vs. AJUL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the AJUL Sharpe Ratio of 2.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHDG and AJUL, 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

SHDG vs. AJUL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHDG drawdown since its inception was -15.82%, which is greater than AJUL's maximum drawdown of -6.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHDG and AJUL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHDG	AJUL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.82%	-6.06%	-9.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.62%	-2.19%	-4.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	0.00%	-0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.72%	-0.49%	-1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.79%	0.37%	+1.42%

Volatility

SHDG vs. AJUL - Volatility Comparison

Soundwatch Hedged Equity ETF (SHDG) has a higher volatility of 0.64% compared to Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr To July 2026 (AJUL) at 0.21%. This indicates that SHDG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AJUL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHDG	AJUL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.64%	0.21%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.40%	2.47%	+2.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.70%	3.14%	+4.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.91%	4.94%	+5.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.91%	4.94%	+5.97%

SHDG vs. AJUL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHDG has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is lower than AJUL's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHDG vs. AJUL - Dividend Comparison

SHDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, while AJUL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AJUL Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr To July 2026	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SHDG Soundwatch Hedged Equity ETF	0.49%	0.49%	0.62%	1.24%	0.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHDG and AJUL in my portfolio?

SHDG and AJUL have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SHDG or AJUL?

SHDG has higher volatility (0.64%) compared to AJUL (0.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHDG dropped -15.82% vs AJUL's -6.06%.

Which ETF is better, SHDG or AJUL?

On 1-year performance, SHDG leads with 12.02% vs 9.03% for AJUL. On fees, SHDG is cheaper at 0.53% per year. On volatility, AJUL has been the lower-risk option at 0.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHDG or AJUL?

Over the 1-year period, SHDG has performed better with a 12.02% return vs 9.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHDG or AJUL?

SHDG is cheaper with a 0.53% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for AJUL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SHDG or AJUL?

SHDG has the higher dividend yield at 0.49%, compared with 0.00% for AJUL.

What is the main difference between SHDG and AJUL?

They also come from different issuers: SoundWatch Capital and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.53% for SHDG and 0.79% for AJUL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AJUL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 1.57), 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.