Data as of .
DDTS vs USEP: which one stands where?
As of Sep 19, 2026 USEP can fall 4.8% before its buffer engages and DDTS 0.0%.
These are two different products. USEP is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DDTS is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
USEP has fallen through its protection. The index is 0.7% below where the buffer stops, and that part of the loss is the holder’s.
Both are Innovator funds, so the difference between them is the terms rather than the house.
Where each one stands today
DDTS resets first, on Aug 31, 2027, 347 days from now; USEP runs to Aug 31, 2027, 347 days. DDTS can still gain 14.8% before its cap, USEP 14.9%. A fall from here reaches DDTS’s buffer after 0.0% and USEP’s after 4.8%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDTS | USEP | DDTS | USEP | |
| 3 months | +2.0% | +1.7% | −0.3 pts | −0.6 pts |
| 6 months | +9.3% | +8.8% | −8.7 pts | −9.2 pts |
| 1 year | +9.8% | +8.8% | −6.7 pts | −7.8 pts |
| 3 years | not published | +40.6% | not published | −37.8 pts |
| 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 | USEP Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - Sep Absorbs losses from 5.0% to 35.0% on SPY and caps the gain at 14.7%, over a period ending Aug 31, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 10% | 5% to 35% |
| Outcome period | Aug 31, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 | Aug 31, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 |
| Days left | 347 | 347 |
| Starting cap | +14.7% | +14.7% |
| Can still gain | 14.8% | 14.9% |
| Fall before buffer | 0.0% | 4.8% |
| Protection left, index points | 9.3% of 10.0% | 30.0% of 30.0% |
| Index return this period | −0.7% | −0.7% |
| Fund return this period | −0.1% | −0.2% |
| State today | Buffer working | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.79% |
| Net assets | $29m | $176m |
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.
USEP in plain words
From its price on Sep 19, 2026, the fund can gain about 14.9% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 4.8% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 4.3% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 30.0% of the 30.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DDTS or USEP?
- From their prices on Sep 19, 2026, DDTS can gain about 14.8% before its cap and USEP about 14.9%, so USEP has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DDTS or USEP?
- DDTS ends its outcome period on Aug 31, 2027 and USEP on Aug 31, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DDTS or USEP?
- DDTS charges 0.79% a year and USEP 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, DDTS against USEP, data as of Sep 19, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/ddts-vs-usep Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.