ZMAY vs. JULB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ZMAY (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May) and JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ZMAY charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for JULB.

Performance

ZMAY vs. JULB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZMAY achieves a 2.24% return, which is significantly lower than JULB's 6.52% return.

ZMAY

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 2.24%
• 6M: 2.79%
• 1Y: 5.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JULB

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 7.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZMAY vs. JULB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ZMAY Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May	2.24%	1.27%
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.52%	2.56%

Correlation

The correlation between ZMAY and JULB is 0.63, 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 Oct 15, 2025	0.63

Return for Risk

ZMAY vs. JULB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZMAY

ZMAY Risk / Return Rank: 97
ZMAY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
ZMAY Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
ZMAY Omega Ratio Rank: 97
ZMAY Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZMAY Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

ZMAY vs. JULB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY) and Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB). 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.

	ZMAY	JULB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.11	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	7.32	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.95	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	15.23	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	70.67	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ZMAY	JULB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.11	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.26	2.21	+2.05

Drawdowns

ZMAY vs. JULB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZMAY drawdown since its inception was -0.39%, smaller than the maximum JULB drawdown of -5.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZMAY and JULB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZMAY	JULB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.39%	-5.24%	+4.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	0.00%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.05%	-0.87%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.08%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ZMAY	JULB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.50%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.06%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45%	6.79%	-5.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.52%	6.79%	-5.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.52%	6.79%	-5.27%

ZMAY vs. JULB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZMAY has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than JULB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZMAY vs. JULB - Dividend Comparison

Neither ZMAY nor JULB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZMAY and JULB in my portfolio?

ZMAY and JULB have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ZMAY or JULB?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZMAY or JULB?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZMAY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZMAY or JULB?

ZMAY and JULB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ZMAY and JULB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for ZMAY and 0.25% for JULB.