Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
PAUG vs PJAN
Where each one stands today
PJAN resets first, on Dec 31, 2026, 118 days from now; PAUG runs to Jul 31, 2027, 330 days. PAUG can still gain 11.7% before its cap, PJAN 3.5%. A fall from here reaches PAUG’s buffer after 1.9% and PJAN’s after 7.9%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAUG | PJAN | PAUG | PJAN | |
| 3 months | +3.5% | +3.1% | −1.2 pts | −1.6 pts |
| 6 months | +8.5% | +8.3% | −6.6 pts | −6.8 pts |
| 1 year | +11.6% | +11.9% | −8.4 pts | −8.1 pts |
| 3 years | +46.7% | +42.3% | −31.2 pts | −35.7 pts |
| PAUG Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - Aug | PJAN Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - Jan | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Jul 31, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027 | Dec 31, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026 |
| Days left | 330 | 118 |
| Starting cap | +13.8% | +12.3% |
| Can still gain | 11.7% | 3.5% |
| Fall before buffer | 1.9% | 7.9% |
| Protection left, index points | 15.0% of 15.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +3.1% | +12.9% |
| Fund return this period | +1.8% | +7.9% |
| State today | Open | At cap |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.79% |
PAUG in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 11.7% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.9% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 3.0% 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. 330 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Jul 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
PJAN in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +12.3% 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 3.5% as the period runs out. The fund's price can fall 7.9% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 11.5% 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. 118 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Dec 31, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, PAUG or PJAN?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, PAUG can gain about 11.7% before its cap and PJAN about 3.5%, so PAUG has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, PAUG or PJAN?
- PAUG ends its outcome period on Jul 31, 2027 and PJAN on Dec 31, 2026. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, PAUG or PJAN?
- PAUG charges 0.79% a year and PJAN charges 0.79%, so PAUG 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, PAUG against PJAN, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/PAUG-PJAN.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.