ZJUL vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ZJUL (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ZJUL returned 6.62% vs 11.76% for PBFR. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ZJUL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July (ZJUL) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZJUL achieves a 2.86% return, which is significantly lower than PBFR's 4.21% return.

ZJUL

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 2.86%
• 6M: 2.87%
• 1Y: 6.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 4.21%
• 6M: 4.15%
• 1Y: 11.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ZJUL Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July	2.86%	7.47%	4.06%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.21%	10.44%	4.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ZJUL and PBFR is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2024	0.74

The correlation between ZJUL and PBFR shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ZJUL vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZJUL

ZJUL Risk / Return Rank: 92
ZJUL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
ZJUL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
ZJUL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
ZJUL Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
ZJUL Martin Ratio Rank: 94

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 89
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July (ZJUL) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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.

	ZJUL	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.75	2.73	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.49	3.95	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.59	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.64	4.19	+0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.55	21.70	+3.84

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZJUL Sharpe Ratio is 2.75, which is comparable to the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZJUL and PBFR, 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

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZJUL drawdown since its inception was -5.51%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZJUL and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZJUL	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-8.50%	+2.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.43%	-2.82%	+1.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.52%	+0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.45%	-0.63%	+0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.26%	0.54%	-0.28%

Volatility

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July (ZJUL) is 0.19%, while PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) has a volatility of 1.30%. This indicates that ZJUL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZJUL	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.19%	1.30%	-1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.80%	3.51%	-1.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46%	4.35%	-1.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.58%	6.85%	-2.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.58%	6.85%	-2.27%

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZJUL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZJUL vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

ZJUL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
ZJUL Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr July	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZJUL and PBFR in my portfolio?

ZJUL and PBFR have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZJUL or PBFR?

PBFR has higher volatility (1.30%) compared to ZJUL (0.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZJUL dropped -5.51% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, ZJUL or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, PBFR leads with 11.76% vs 6.62% for ZJUL. On fees, PBFR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ZJUL has been the lower-risk option at 0.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZJUL or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, PBFR has performed better with a 11.76% return vs 6.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZJUL or PBFR?

PBFR is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZJUL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZJUL or PBFR?

PBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for ZJUL.

What is the main difference between ZJUL and PBFR?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for ZJUL and 0.50% for PBFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZJUL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.75 vs 2.73), 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.