UJAN vs. BUFF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

UJAN (Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January) and BUFF (Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator - UJAN tracks the S&P 500 Index while BUFF tracks the Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, UJAN returned 7.77%/yr vs 8.52%/yr for BUFF. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UJAN charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BUFF.

Performance

UJAN vs. BUFF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) 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, UJAN achieves a 4.12% return, which is significantly lower than BUFF's 4.91% return.

UJAN

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -0.04%
• YTD: 4.12%
• 6M: 4.26%
• 1Y: 13.08%
• 3Y*: 11.65%
• 5Y*: 7.77%
• 10Y*: —

BUFF

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 4.62%
• 1Y: 13.10%
• 3Y*: 11.92%
• 5Y*: 8.52%
• 10Y*: —

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

UJAN vs. BUFF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
UJAN Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January	4.12%	11.07%	13.13%	15.89%	-5.95%	5.79%	7.37%	11.15%
BUFF Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF	4.91%	11.02%	12.05%	16.51%	-4.44%	8.37%	-12.08%	32.32%

Correlation

The correlation between UJAN and BUFF is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2019	0.76

The correlation between UJAN and BUFF shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (all time) to 0.87 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

UJAN vs. BUFF — Risk / Return Rank

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

UJAN

UJAN Risk / Return Rank: 83
UJAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
UJAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
UJAN Omega Ratio Rank: 88
UJAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
UJAN Martin Ratio Rank: 87

BUFF

BUFF Risk / Return Rank: 85
BUFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
BUFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
BUFF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BUFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFF Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

UJAN vs. BUFF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) 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.

	UJAN	BUFF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	2.51	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.61	3.76	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.51	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.30	3.67	-0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.34	19.13	-1.79

UJAN vs. BUFF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UJAN Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is comparable to the BUFF Sharpe Ratio of 2.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UJAN 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

UJAN vs. BUFF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UJAN drawdown since its inception was -13.69%, smaller than the maximum BUFF drawdown of -46.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UJAN and BUFF.

Drawdown Indicators

	UJAN	BUFF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.69%	-46.23%	+32.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.98%	-3.58%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.03%	-10.24%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.03%	-10.24%	+1.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-0.74%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.55%	-6.15%	+4.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.76%	0.69%	+0.07%

Volatility

UJAN vs. BUFF - Volatility Comparison

Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) and Innovator Laddered Allocation Power Buffer ETF (BUFF) have volatilities of 1.66% and 1.73%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UJAN	BUFF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.66%	1.73%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.31%	4.11%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.33%	5.27%	+0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.36%	8.44%	-2.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.09%	17.63%	-10.54%

UJAN vs. BUFF - Expense Ratio Comparison

UJAN has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFF's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

UJAN vs. BUFF - Dividend Comparison

Neither UJAN 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%
UJAN Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UJAN and BUFF in my portfolio?

UJAN and BUFF have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UJAN or BUFF?

BUFF has higher volatility (1.73%) compared to UJAN (1.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UJAN dropped -13.69% vs BUFF's -46.23%.

Which ETF is better, UJAN or BUFF?

On 5-year performance, BUFF leads with 8.52% vs 7.77% for UJAN. On fees, UJAN is cheaper at 0.79% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UJAN or BUFF?

Over the 5-year period, BUFF has performed better with a 8.52% return vs 7.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UJAN or BUFF?

UJAN is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BUFF.

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

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

What is the main difference between UJAN and BUFF?

UJAN tracks S&P 500 Index, while BUFF tracks Refinitiv Laddered Power Buffer Strategy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for UJAN and 0.89% for BUFF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 2.48), 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.