Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
DAPR vs PAPR
Where each one stands today
PAPR resets first, on Mar 31, 2027, 208 days from now; DAPR runs to Apr 16, 2027, 224 days. DAPR can still gain 6.4% before its cap, PAPR 4.8%. A fall from here reaches DAPR’s buffer after 9.9% and PAPR’s after 8.1%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is the buffer desk’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAPR | PAPR | DAPR | PAPR | |
| 3 months | +2.8% | +2.8% | −1.9 pts | −1.9 pts |
| 6 months | +5.7% | +9.5% | −9.5 pts | −5.7 pts |
| 1 year | +8.8% | +13.2% | −11.2 pts | −6.8 pts |
| 3 years | +34.4% | +37.9% | −43.5 pts | −40.1 pts |
| DAPR FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April | PAPR Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - Apr | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Apr 20, 2026 to Apr 16, 2027 | Mar 31, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027 |
| Days left | 224 | 208 |
| Starting cap | +12.0% | +14.0% |
| Can still gain | 6.4% | 4.8% |
| Fall before buffer | 9.9% | 8.1% |
| Protection left, index points | 25.0% of 25.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +8.5% | +18.4% |
| Fund return this period | +4.5% | +8.4% |
| State today | Open | At cap |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.79% |
DAPR in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 6.4% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 9.9% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 12.4% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 25.0% of the 25.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 224 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Apr 16, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
PAPR in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +14.0% for the period on Sep 4, 2026, so in index terms there is no more upside to collect. The fund's own price can still drift up to about 4.8% as the period runs out. The fund's price can fall 8.1% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 15.6% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 15.0% of the 15.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 208 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Mar 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DAPR or PAPR?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, DAPR can gain about 6.4% before its cap and PAPR about 4.8%, so DAPR has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DAPR or PAPR?
- DAPR ends its outcome period on Apr 16, 2027 and PAPR on Mar 31, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DAPR or PAPR?
- DAPR charges 0.85% a year and PAPR charges 0.79%, so PAPR is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, DAPR against PAPR, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/DAPR-PAPR.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.