BUFR vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFR (FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BUFR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

BUFR vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BUFR having a 6.42% return and OCTB slightly lower at 6.18%.

BUFR

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 7.11%
• 1Y: 17.61%
• 3Y*: 14.50%
• 5Y*: 9.98%
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 6.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFR vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFR FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF	6.42%	2.91%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFR and OCTB is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2025	0.97

Return for Risk

BUFR vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFR

BUFR Risk / Return Rank: 84
BUFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
BUFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BUFR Omega Ratio Rank: 87
BUFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFR Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

BUFR vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF (BUFR) 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.

	BUFR	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.95	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.84	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.78	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFR	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.71	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.07	1.97	-0.90

Drawdowns

BUFR vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFR drawdown since its inception was -13.73%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFR and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFR	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.73%	-4.79%	-8.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.17%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-0.70%	-1.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFR	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.03%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.95%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.53%	7.20%	-0.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.44%	7.20%	+3.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.23%	7.20%	+3.03%

BUFR vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFR vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFR nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFR and OCTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BUFR and OCTB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, BUFR 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, BUFR or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFR.

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

BUFR and OCTB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUFR and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFR and 0.25% for OCTB.