ZJUN vs. SMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ZJUN (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr June) and SMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ZJUN returned 5.70% vs 9.07% for SMAX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ZJUN charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SMAX.

Performance

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr June (ZJUN) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZJUN achieves a 1.90% return, which is significantly lower than SMAX's 3.21% return.

ZJUN

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 1.90%
• 6M: 2.01%
• 1Y: 5.70%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMAX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 3.24%
• 1Y: 9.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ZJUN Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr June	1.90%	4.15%
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	3.21%	6.24%

Correlation

The correlation between ZJUN and SMAX is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 2, 2025	0.74

The correlation between ZJUN and SMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ZJUN vs. SMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZJUN

ZJUN Risk / Return Rank: 92
ZJUN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
ZJUN Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
ZJUN Omega Ratio Rank: 94
ZJUN Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
ZJUN Martin Ratio Rank: 95

SMAX

SMAX Risk / Return Rank: 93
SMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
SMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
SMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SMAX 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.

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr June (ZJUN) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX). 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.

	ZJUN	SMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.81	3.36	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.36	5.17	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.65	1.72	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.32	4.76	+0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.32	25.48	+2.84

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZJUN Sharpe Ratio is 2.81, which is comparable to the SMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZJUN and SMAX, 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

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZJUN drawdown since its inception was -1.08%, smaller than the maximum SMAX drawdown of -3.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZJUN and SMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZJUN	SMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.08%	-3.90%	+2.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.08%	-1.91%	+0.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-0.07%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.10%	-0.40%	+0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.20%	0.36%	-0.16%

Volatility

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr June (ZJUN) has a higher volatility of 1.00% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) at 0.73%. This indicates that ZJUN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZJUN	SMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.00%	0.73%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.73%	2.17%	-0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.04%	2.71%	-0.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.03%	3.65%	-1.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.03%	3.65%	-1.62%

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZJUN has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than SMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZJUN vs. SMAX - Dividend Comparison

ZJUN has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF	0.95%	0.98%	0.27%
ZJUN Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr June	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZJUN and SMAX in my portfolio?

ZJUN and SMAX have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZJUN or SMAX?

ZJUN has higher volatility (1.00%) compared to SMAX (0.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZJUN dropped -1.08% vs SMAX's -3.90%.

Which ETF is better, ZJUN or SMAX?

On 1-year performance, SMAX leads with 9.07% vs 5.70% for ZJUN. On fees, SMAX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZJUN or SMAX?

Over the 1-year period, SMAX has performed better with a 9.07% return vs 5.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZJUN or SMAX?

SMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZJUN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZJUN or SMAX?

SMAX has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.00% for ZJUN.

What is the main difference between ZJUN and SMAX?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for ZJUN and 0.50% for SMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.36 vs 2.81), 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.