BUFX vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

BUFX vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) 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, BUFX achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 6.18% return.

BUFX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 4.88%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

BUFX vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.10%	2.27%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFX and OCTB is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

BUFX vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFX	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.68	1.97	+0.71

Drawdowns

BUFX vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFX drawdown since its inception was -2.87%, smaller than the maximum OCTB drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFX and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFX	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-4.79%	+1.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.17%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-0.70%	+0.46%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFX	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.98%	7.20%	-3.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.98%	7.20%	-3.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.98%	7.20%	-3.22%

BUFX vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFX vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFX nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFX and OCTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, BUFX 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, BUFX 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, BUFX or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFX and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for BUFX and 0.25% for OCTB.