BAUG vs BSEP
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August vs Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, BAUG or BSEP?
BAUG has been ahead.
BAUG led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAUG | BSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79%Tie | 0.79%Tie |
| AUM | $274M | $470M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 18 | 1,520 |
| YTD Return | +10.97%Best | +10.32% |
| 1Y Return | +14.01%Best | +13.43% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.37%Best | +16.86% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.70%Best | +11.29% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5%Best | 11.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -24.2% | -24.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,389Best | $17,072 |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2019 | Aug 30, 2019 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 3, 2019 to Oct 14, 2026 (7.1 years).
BAUG vs BSEP growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 7.1 years both funds cover.
BAUG vs BSEP Performance
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (BAUG) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (BSEP) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year BAUG returned +14.01% while BSEP returned +13.43%. Year to date, BAUG is up 10.97% versus a gain of 10.32% for BSEP.
Over three years, BAUG compounded at +18.37% per year against +16.86% for BSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +11.70% and +11.29% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BAUG has the edge at +12.10% annualized vs +12.08%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.6% compared with 11.5% for BAUG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -24.2% for BAUG and -24.0% for BSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAUG charges 0.79% per year while BSEP charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $79 annually. On income, BAUG currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for BSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BAUG and BSEP you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAUG or BSEP?
BAUG has an expense ratio of 0.79% while BSEP charges 0.79%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, BAUG or BSEP?
Over the past year BAUG returned +14.01% vs +13.43% for BSEP, so BAUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BAUG annualized +12.10% vs +12.08% for BSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BAUG or BSEP?
BSEP has been the more volatile fund at 11.6% annualized versus 11.5% for BAUG. Worst drawdown: BAUG -24.2% vs BSEP -24.0%.
Should I hold both BAUG and BSEP?
BAUG and BSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAUG or BSEP?
BAUG yields 0.00% while BSEP yields 0.00%, so BSEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is BSEP better than BAUG?
BAUG led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.