BGLD vs. OCTB

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BGLD charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

BGLD vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BGLD achieves a -4.27% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 7.20% return.

BGLD

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: -1.74%
• 6M: -7.83%
• YTD: -4.27%
• 1Y: 8.11%
• 3Y*: 17.54%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 1.55%
• 6M: 6.25%
• YTD: 7.20%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BGLD vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	-4.27%	1.74%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	7.20%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BGLD and OCTB is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.31

Return for Risk

BGLD vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BGLD

BGLD Risk / Return Rank: 20
BGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
BGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
BGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 22
BGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
BGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 19

OCTB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BGLD vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BGLD	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.66	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.67	—	—

Drawdowns

BGLD vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BGLD drawdown since its inception was -16.19%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BGLD and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BGLD	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.19%	-4.79%	-11.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.43%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.43%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.47%	-0.04%	-11.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.77%	-0.67%	-3.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.87%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BGLD	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.29%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.67%	7.17%	+5.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.20%	7.17%	+3.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.05%	7.17%	+2.88%

BGLD vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BGLD has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BGLD vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

BGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 46.30%, while OCTB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	46.30%	44.32%	25.04%	10.49%	0.40%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BGLD and OCTB in my portfolio?

BGLD and OCTB have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BGLD or OCTB?

On fees, OCTB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BGLD or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for BGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BGLD or OCTB?

BGLD has the higher dividend yield at 46.30%, compared with 0.00% for OCTB.

What is the main difference between BGLD and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.91% for BGLD and 0.25% for OCTB.