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Upturn AI Summary
Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF(PSTP)
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)
Advisory Performance History (Simulated)
Upturn Advisory & Investor View for PSTP
10/28/2026: PSTP (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
PSTP is a defined-outcome ETF that provides exposure to the S&P 500 with a 15% downside buffer and an upside cap. It uses FLEX options to create a specific risk-reward profile, making it a defensive tool for investors who want to participate in equity markets while hedging against losses. Its primary strength lies in risk management, though it is balanced by high expenses and capped upside. The fund is best suited for conservative, long-term investors looking to navigate market volatility rather than active traders. Key factors to monitor include the remaining buffer, the proximity to the upside cap, and market implied volatility levels.
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 | Weak fit | The upside cap limits participation in aggressive bull market rallies. |
| Momentum investor | Weak fit | The defined outcome structure is antithetical to momentum-based trading strategies. |
| Value investor | Mixed fit | The buffer provides downside protection that may appeal to value investors looking to hedge large-cap exposure. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Weak fit | This fund does not provide direct yield and focuses on price return outcomes. |
| Low-risk investor | Strong fit | The 15% downside buffer offers a significant cushion against market volatility for conservative equity investors. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
Conservative equity investors seeking market exposure while limiting drawdowns.
Suitability
Best for long-term investors holding for the full one-year outcome period.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Medium | The buffer protects against moderate volatility, but extreme market drops still impact the fund. |
| Market risk | Medium / high | The fund is tied to the performance of the S&P 500 and remains exposed to equity market decline. |
| Concentration | High | The fund is entirely concentrated on the performance of the S&P 500 index. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium | The high expense ratio and option costs can drag on net performance compared to the underlying index. |
| Liquidity | Medium | Secondary market liquidity for FLEX options-based ETFs can be limited during market stress. |
| Business/sector quality | Low | The risk is primarily structural and systemic rather than specific to a particular business sector. |
Risk Analysis
Volatility
PSTP has lower realized volatility than the S&P 500 due to its built-in buffer.
Market Risk
Investors face the risk that the S&P 500 declines by more than 15%, at which point the buffer is exhausted.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derivatives | S&P 500 Price Return FLEX Options | 95 | These options contracts define the fund's upside cap and downside buffer against S&P 500 movements. |
| Cash/collateral | U.S. Treasury Bills / Cash Equivalents | 5 | Cash and short-term debt instruments are held to provide collateral for the options strategy. |
Price Behavior

Steady Uptrend
The stock demonstrates consistent and steady upward price momentum.

Very Smooth
The stock has followed a highly orderly price path with minimal short-term disruption.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 25.9% | Avg. Invested days 85 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Advisory Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | ETF Returns Performance |

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