Data as of .
DAUG vs DDTS: which one stands where?
As of Sep 19, 2026 DAUG can fall 5.7% before its buffer engages and DDTS 0.0%, and DAUG resets 11 days sooner.
These are two different products. DDTS is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DAUG is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
DAUG has fallen through its protection. The index is 0.5% below where the buffer stops, and that part of the loss is the holder’s.
Where each one stands today
DAUG resets first, on Aug 20, 2027, 336 days from now; DDTS runs to Aug 31, 2027, 347 days. DAUG can still gain 13.1% before its cap, DDTS 14.8%. A fall from here reaches DAUG’s buffer after 5.7% and DDTS’s after 0.0%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAUG | DDTS | DAUG | DDTS | |
| 3 months | +1.5% | +2.0% | −0.7 pts | −0.3 pts |
| 6 months | +9.2% | +9.3% | −8.8 pts | −8.7 pts |
| 1 year | +9.1% | +9.8% | −7.5 pts | −6.7 pts |
| 3 years | +40.8% | not published | −37.6 pts | not published |
| DAUG FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August Absorbs losses from 5.0% to 30.0% on SPY and caps the gain at 13.8%, over a period ending Aug 20, 2027 | DDTS Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - Sep Absorbs the first 10% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 14.7%, over a period ending Aug 31, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 5% to 30% | 10% |
| Outcome period | Aug 24, 2026 to Aug 20, 2027 | Aug 31, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 |
| Days left | 336 | 347 |
| Starting cap | +13.8% | +14.7% |
| Can still gain | 13.1% | 14.8% |
| Fall before buffer | 5.7% | 0.0% |
| Protection left, index points | 25.0% of 25.0% | 9.3% of 10.0% |
| Index return this period | −0.5% | −0.7% |
| Fund return this period | −0.2% | −0.1% |
| State today | Open | Buffer working |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.79% |
| Net assets | $431m | $29m |
DAUG in plain words
From its price on Sep 19, 2026, the fund can gain about 13.1% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 5.7% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 4.5% 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. 336 days remained on Sep 19, 2026. On Aug 20, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
DDTS in plain words
From its price on Sep 19, 2026, the fund can gain about 14.8% more before it reaches its cap. Protection left, in index points: 9.3% of the 10.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 347 days remained on Sep 19, 2026. On Aug 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DAUG or DDTS?
- From their prices on Sep 19, 2026, DAUG can gain about 13.1% before its cap and DDTS about 14.8%, so DDTS has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DAUG or DDTS?
- DAUG ends its outcome period on Aug 20, 2027 and DDTS on Aug 31, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DAUG or DDTS?
- DAUG charges 0.85% a year and DDTS charges 0.79%, so DDTS 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, DAUG against DDTS, data as of Sep 19, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/daug-vs-ddts Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.