Data as of .
DDFG vs XJUL: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 XJUL can fall 3.1% before its buffer engages and DDFG 2.3%, and XJUL resets 15 days sooner.
These are two different products. XJUL is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DDFG is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Where each one stands today
XJUL resets first, on Jul 16, 2027, 298 days from now; DDFG runs to Jul 31, 2027, 313 days. DDFG can still gain 8.8% before its cap, XJUL 8.0%. A fall from here reaches DDFG’s buffer after 2.3% and XJUL’s after 3.1%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDFG | XJUL | DDFG | XJUL | |
| 3 months | not published | +2.3% | not published | +0.1 pts |
| 6 months | not published | +7.5% | not published | −10.6 pts |
| 1 year | not published | +8.6% | not published | −8.0 pts |
| 3 years | not published | +35.3% | not published | −43.1 pts |
| DDFG Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - Aug Absorbs the first 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 11.4%, over a period ending Jul 31, 2027 | XJUL FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - July Absorbs the first 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 11.4%, over a period ending Jul 16, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | First Trust |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 15% | 15% |
| Outcome period | Jul 31, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027 | Jul 20, 2026 to Jul 16, 2027 |
| Days left | 313 | 298 |
| Starting cap | +11.4% | +11.4% |
| Can still gain | 8.8% | 8.0% |
| Fall before buffer | 2.3% | 3.1% |
| Protection left, index points | 15.0% of 15.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +3.6% | +4.1% |
| Fund return this period | +2.3% | +2.4% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.85% |
| Net assets | $35m | $42m |
DDFG in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 8.8% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 2.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 3.5% 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. 313 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Jul 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
XJUL in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 8.0% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 3.1% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 3.9% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. 298 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Jul 16, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DDFG or XJUL?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, DDFG can gain about 8.8% before its cap and XJUL about 8.0%, so DDFG has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DDFG or XJUL?
- DDFG ends its outcome period on Jul 31, 2027 and XJUL on Jul 16, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DDFG or XJUL?
- DDFG charges 0.79% a year and XJUL charges 0.85%, so DDFG 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, DDFG against XJUL, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/ddfg-vs-xjul Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.