IBUF vs YSEP
Innovator International Developed 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, IBUF or YSEP?
YSEP has been ahead.
IBUF has a lower expense ratio. YSEP 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 | IBUF | YSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $118M | $126M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 18 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +7.04% | +7.59%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.06% | +10.42%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +7.18% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.0%Best | 6.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -5.9%Best | -7.4% |
| $10,000 over 2.3 years | $12,516 | $13,007Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Sep 17, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.3 years).
IBUF vs YSEP 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 2.3 years both funds cover.
IBUF vs YSEP Performance
Innovator International Developed 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (IBUF) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IBUF returned +10.06% while YSEP returned +10.42%. Year to date, IBUF is up 7.04% versus a gain of 7.59% for YSEP.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.5% compared with 4.0% for IBUF. 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 -5.9% for IBUF and -7.4% for YSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBUF charges 0.85% per year while YSEP charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $90 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBUF currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for YSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IBUF and YSEP 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, IBUF or YSEP?
IBUF has an expense ratio of 0.85% while YSEP charges 0.90%. IBUF is the cheaper option, by $5 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IBUF or YSEP?
Over the past year IBUF returned +10.06% vs +10.42% for YSEP, so YSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IBUF annualized +10.25% vs +12.11% for YSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IBUF or YSEP?
YSEP has been the more volatile fund at 6.5% annualized versus 4.0% for IBUF. Worst drawdown: IBUF -5.9% vs YSEP -7.4%.
Should I hold both IBUF and YSEP?
IBUF and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, 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, IBUF or YSEP?
IBUF yields 0.00% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so YSEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is YSEP better than IBUF?
IBUF has a lower expense ratio. YSEP 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.