Data as of .
DDFL vs XBJL: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 XBJL can fall 3.1% before its buffer engages and DDFL 2.4%.
These are two different products. XBJL is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DDFL is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Both are Innovator funds, so the difference between them is the terms rather than the house.
Where each one stands today
DDFL resets first, on Jun 30, 2027, 282 days from now; XBJL runs to Jun 30, 2027, 282 days. DDFL can still gain 8.3% before its cap, XBJL 10.3%. A fall from here reaches DDFL’s buffer after 2.4% and XBJL’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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDFL | XBJL | DDFL | XBJL | |
| 3 months | +2.1% | +2.4% | −0.2 pts | +0.2 pts |
| 6 months | +5.5% | +8.0% | −12.6 pts | −10.0 pts |
| 1 year | +7.0% | +9.5% | −9.6 pts | −7.1 pts |
| 3 years | not published | +40.8% | not published | −37.6 pts |
| DDFL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - Jul Absorbs the first 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 10.9%, over a period ending Jun 30, 2027 | XBJL Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - Jul Absorbs the first 9% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 13.8%, over a period ending Jun 30, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 15% | 9% |
| Outcome period | Jun 30, 2026 to Jun 30, 2027 | Jun 30, 2026 to Jun 30, 2027 |
| Days left | 282 | 282 |
| Starting cap | +10.9% | +13.8% |
| Can still gain | 8.3% | 10.3% |
| Fall before buffer | 2.4% | 3.1% |
| Protection left, index points | 15.0% of 15.0% | 9.0% of 9.0% |
| Index return this period | +3.6% | +3.6% |
| Fund return this period | +2.3% | +3.0% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.79% |
| Net assets | $158m | $77m |
DDFL in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 8.3% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 2.4% 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. 282 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Jun 30, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
XBJL in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 10.3% 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. Protection left, in index points: 9.0% of the 9.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DDFL or XBJL?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, DDFL can gain about 8.3% before its cap and XBJL about 10.3%, so XBJL has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DDFL or XBJL?
- DDFL ends its outcome period on Jun 30, 2027 and XBJL on Jun 30, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DDFL or XBJL?
- DDFL charges 0.79% a year and XBJL charges 0.79%, so DDFL 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, DDFL against XBJL, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/ddfl-vs-xbjl Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.