ZSEP vs. APRB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ZSEP (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr September) and APRB (Aptus April Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ZSEP charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for APRB.

Performance

ZSEP vs. APRB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ZSEP achieves a 2.69% return, which is significantly lower than APRB's 4.77% return.

ZSEP

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 2.69%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: 7.42%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APRB

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 6M: 4.67%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ZSEP vs. APRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ZSEP Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr September	2.69%	1.04%
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	4.77%	2.48%

Correlation

The correlation between ZSEP and APRB is 0.70, 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 14, 2025	0.70

Return for Risk

ZSEP vs. APRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZSEP

ZSEP Risk / Return Rank: 93
ZSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
ZSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
ZSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 94
ZSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
ZSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 94

APRB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

ZSEP vs. APRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr September (ZSEP) and Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB). 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.

	ZSEP	APRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.08	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.73	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.64	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.14	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.26	—	—

Drawdowns

ZSEP vs. APRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZSEP drawdown since its inception was -3.97%, smaller than the maximum APRB drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZSEP and APRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZSEP	APRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.97%	-4.59%	+0.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.45%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.23%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.36%	-0.72%	+0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.28%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ZSEP	APRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.51%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.86%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.42%	5.98%	-3.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.31%	5.98%	-2.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.31%	5.98%	-2.67%

ZSEP vs. APRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ZSEP has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than APRB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

ZSEP vs. APRB - Dividend Comparison

Neither ZSEP nor APRB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZSEP and APRB in my portfolio?

ZSEP and APRB have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ZSEP or APRB?

On fees, APRB 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, ZSEP or APRB?

APRB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZSEP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ZSEP or APRB?

ZSEP and APRB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ZSEP and APRB?

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