Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
GJAN vs PDEC
Where each one stands today
PDEC resets first, on Nov 30, 2026, 87 days from now; GJAN runs to Jan 15, 2027, 133 days. GJAN can still gain 3.8% before its cap, PDEC 3.0%. A fall from here reaches GJAN’s buffer after 7.3% and PDEC’s after 9.0%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GJAN | PDEC | GJAN | PDEC | |
| 3 months | +3.1% | +3.5% | −1.6 pts | −1.2 pts |
| 6 months | +8.5% | +9.0% | −6.7 pts | −6.2 pts |
| 1 year | +11.9% | +13.7% | −8.1 pts | −6.2 pts |
| 3 years | +39.6% | +39.8% | −38.3 pts | −38.2 pts |
| GJAN FT Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - January | PDEC Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - Dec | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Jan 20, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027 | Nov 30, 2025 to Nov 30, 2026 |
| Days left | 133 | 87 |
| Starting cap | +11.8% | +13.1% |
| Can still gain | 3.8% | 3.0% |
| Fall before buffer | 7.3% | 9.0% |
| Protection left, index points | 15.0% of 15.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +11.3% | +12.7% |
| Fund return this period | +6.9% | +9.2% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.79% |
GJAN in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 3.8% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 7.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 10.2% 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. 133 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Jan 15, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
PDEC in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 3.0% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 9.0% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 11.3% 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. 87 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Nov 30, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, GJAN or PDEC?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, GJAN can gain about 3.8% before its cap and PDEC about 3.0%, so GJAN has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, GJAN or PDEC?
- GJAN ends its outcome period on Jan 15, 2027 and PDEC on Nov 30, 2026. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, GJAN or PDEC?
- GJAN charges 0.85% a year and PDEC charges 0.79%, so PDEC 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, GJAN against PDEC, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/GJAN-PDEC.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.