BUYW vs ZDEK
Main BuyWrite ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December
Which is better, BUYW or ZDEK?
ZDEK has been ahead.
ZDEK has a lower expense ratio. ZDEK 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 | ZDEK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.79%Best |
| AUM | $1.5B | $107M |
| Dividend Yield | 5.97% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 44 | 15 |
| YTD Return | +2.17% | +4.72%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +6.69%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.50% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 2.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -3.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.9 years | $11,087 | $11,265Best |
| Fund Family | Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2015 | Nov 29, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 2, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.9 years).
BUYW vs ZDEK 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 1.9 years both funds cover.
BUYW vs ZDEK Performance
Main BuyWrite ETF (BUYW) is an ETF from Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December (ZDEK) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year BUYW returned +3.56% while ZDEK returned +6.69%. Year to date, BUYW is up 2.17% versus a gain of 4.72% for ZDEK.
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 2.8% for ZDEK. 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 -3.4% for ZDEK. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUYW charges 0.99% per year while ZDEK 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 ZDEK.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BUYW and ZDEK 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 ZDEK?
BUYW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while ZDEK charges 0.79%. ZDEK is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BUYW or ZDEK?
Over the past year BUYW returned +3.56% vs +6.69% for ZDEK, so ZDEK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUYW annualized +5.58% vs +6.47% for ZDEK. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BUYW or ZDEK?
BUYW has been the more volatile fund at 3.5% annualized versus 2.8% for ZDEK. Worst drawdown: BUYW -9.4% vs ZDEK -3.4%.
Should I hold both BUYW and ZDEK?
BUYW and ZDEK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, 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 ZDEK?
BUYW yields 5.97% while ZDEK yields 0.00%, so BUYW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZDEK better than BUYW?
ZDEK has a lower expense ratio. ZDEK 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.