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- Upturn Summary
- Fund Details
Upturn AI Summary
Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF(BSTP)
Advisory History & Simulated Performance *
*as per simulation (see disclosures)- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- PASS (Skip)
Stock price based on last close Advisory Performance History (Simulated)
Upturn Advisory & Investor View for BSTP
11/06/2026: BSTP (1-star) is a SELL. SELL for 5 days. Simulated Profits (0.58%). Updated daily EoD!
BSTP is an actively managed ETF that provides exposure to the S&P 500 with a defined buffer against downside losses and a cap on potential gains, achieved through a portfolio of FLEX options. Its primary strength lies in its ability to offer risk management and more predictable outcomes in volatile markets. It is best suited for long-term investors looking to dampen market risk rather than achieve maximum equity growth. Key risks include the opportunity cost of capped upside in bull markets and the potential for losses exceeding the buffer during significant market crashes. Investors should monitor the fund’s cap and buffer levels, which reset periodically, to ensure they align with their current risk tolerance.
How to Read the Upturn Advisory
The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.
ETF holdings, costs, diversification, valuation, risks, and market conditions provide supporting context about the fund.
Investor Fit
| Investor style | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth investor | Mixed fit | The cap on upside returns limits the total growth potential compared to pure equity index exposure. |
| Momentum investor | Weak fit | The defined-outcome nature does not align with capturing aggressive price momentum. |
| Value investor | Mixed fit | Value investors may appreciate the downside protection, but must evaluate if the cap justifies the cost. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Weak fit | This fund focuses on capital appreciation/preservation and generally does not provide high yield. |
| Low-risk investor | Strong fit | The buffer mechanism provides a structural cushion that helps risk-averse investors stay invested during market volatility. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is someone seeking exposure to the S&P 500 who is concerned about potential market corrections and wants a defined range of outcomes.
Suitability
Best for long-term investors willing to sacrifice uncapped upside for structural downside protection.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Medium | The buffer strategy is specifically designed to mitigate the impact of market volatility. |
| Market risk | Medium / high | The fund remains tied to the S&P 500, meaning significant market declines can still impact the portfolio if they exceed the buffer. |
| Concentration | High | The strategy is concentrated on the performance of a single index, the S&P 500. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium | Higher expense ratios and the nature of options-based strategies create tracking error relative to a pure index investment. |
| Liquidity | Medium | The specialized nature of the options used may lead to wider spreads during periods of market stress. |
| Business/sector quality | Low | The fund structure relies on counterparty performance for options, though risks are mitigated by the exchange-traded nature of the contracts. |
Risk Analysis
Volatility
BSTP generally exhibits lower volatility than the S&P 500 because the buffer mitigates a portion of downside movements.
Market Risk
The fund is subject to significant market risk; while the buffer provides protection, it does not eliminate the risk of loss beyond the buffer threshold.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derivatives | S&P 500 Price Return Index (FLEX Options) | 95 | These options contracts provide the defined-outcome exposure to the S&P 500. |
| Cash/collateral | US Treasury Bills / Cash | 5 | Cash and short-term debt are held to collateralize the options positions and maintain liquidity. |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 30.19% | Avg. Invested days 74 | Today’s Advisory SELL |
Upturn Advisory Rating  | Upturn Advisory Performance  5.0 | ETF Returns Performance  5.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 11/06/2026 |
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