BUYW vs TJAN
Main BuyWrite ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2027
Which is better, BUYW or TJAN?
TJAN has been ahead.
TJAN has a lower expense ratio. TJAN led over 1Y and the full window.
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 | BUYW | TJAN |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.79%Best |
| AUM | $1.5B | $32M |
| Dividend Yield | 5.97% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 44 | 15 |
| YTD Return | +2.17% | +5.01%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +6.30%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.50% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 3.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -4.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $11,087 | $11,295Best |
| Fund Family | Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2015 | Dec 31, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).
BUYW vs TJAN 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 1.8 years both funds cover.
BUYW vs TJAN Performance
Main BuyWrite ETF (BUYW) is an ETF from Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to January 2027 (TJAN) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year BUYW returned +3.56% while TJAN returned +6.30%. Year to date, BUYW is up 2.17% versus a gain of 5.01% for TJAN.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUYW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3.5% compared with 3.2% for TJAN. 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 -9.4% for BUYW and -4.8% for TJAN. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUYW charges 0.99% per year while TJAN charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $79 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUYW currently yields 5.97% against 0.00% for TJAN.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BUYW and TJAN 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, BUYW or TJAN?
BUYW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while TJAN charges 0.79%. TJAN is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BUYW or TJAN?
Over the past year BUYW returned +3.56% vs +6.30% for TJAN, so TJAN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUYW annualized +5.90% vs +7.00% for TJAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BUYW or TJAN?
BUYW has been the more volatile fund at 3.5% annualized versus 3.2% for TJAN. Worst drawdown: BUYW -9.4% vs TJAN -4.8%.
Should I hold both BUYW and TJAN?
BUYW and TJAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUYW or TJAN?
BUYW yields 5.97% while TJAN yields 0.00%, so BUYW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is TJAN better than BUYW?
TJAN has a lower expense ratio. TJAN led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.