ZNOV vs. ZJAN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ZNOV (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr November) and ZJAN (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January) are both Defined Outcome funds from Innovator. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ZNOV returned 7.01% vs 7.35% for ZJAN. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.79% expense ratio.

Performance

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr November (ZNOV) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January (ZJAN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZNOV achieves a 2.72% return, which is significantly higher than ZJAN's 2.27% return.

ZNOV

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 2.72%
• 6M: 2.76%
• 1Y: 7.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ZJAN

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 2.27%
• 6M: 2.50%
• 1Y: 7.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ZNOV Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr November	2.72%	6.27%
ZJAN Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January	2.27%	6.21%

Correlation

The correlation between ZNOV and ZJAN is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.72

The correlation between ZNOV and ZJAN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ZNOV vs. ZJAN — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZNOV

ZNOV Risk / Return Rank: 87
ZNOV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
ZNOV Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
ZNOV Omega Ratio Rank: 88
ZNOV Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
ZNOV Martin Ratio Rank: 90

ZJAN

ZJAN Risk / Return Rank: 94
ZJAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
ZJAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
ZJAN Omega Ratio Rank: 96
ZJAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
ZJAN Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr November (ZNOV) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January (ZJAN). 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.

	ZNOV	ZJAN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.59	3.57	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.15	5.44	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.79	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	5.41	-1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.92	27.69	-7.77

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZNOV Sharpe Ratio is 2.59, which is comparable to the ZJAN Sharpe Ratio of 3.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZNOV and ZJAN, 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

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZNOV drawdown since its inception was -3.31%, roughly equal to the maximum ZJAN drawdown of -3.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZNOV and ZJAN.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZNOV	ZJAN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.31%	-3.20%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.64%	-1.36%	-0.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.09%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.36%	-0.35%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.35%	0.27%	+0.08%

Volatility

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Volatility Comparison

Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr November (ZNOV) has a higher volatility of 0.84% compared to Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January (ZJAN) at 0.58%. This indicates that ZNOV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ZJAN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZNOV	ZJAN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.84%	0.58%	+0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.01%	1.53%	+0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.72%	2.07%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.36%	2.99%	+0.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.36%	2.99%	+0.37%

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ZNOV and ZJAN have an expense ratio of 0.79%.

Dividends

ZNOV vs. ZJAN - Dividend Comparison

Neither ZNOV nor ZJAN has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZNOV and ZJAN in my portfolio?

ZNOV and ZJAN have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZNOV or ZJAN?

ZNOV has higher volatility (0.84%) compared to ZJAN (0.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZNOV dropped -3.31% vs ZJAN's -3.20%.

Which ETF is better, ZNOV or ZJAN?

On 1-year performance, ZJAN leads with 7.35% vs 7.01% for ZNOV. Both ETFs have the same 0.79% expense ratio. On volatility, ZJAN has been the lower-risk option at 0.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ZNOV or ZJAN?

Over the 1-year period, ZJAN has performed better with a 7.35% return vs 7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ZNOV or ZJAN?

ZNOV and ZJAN have the same expense ratio: 0.79% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZNOV or ZJAN?

ZNOV and ZJAN have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ZJAN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.57 vs 2.59), 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.