BUFY vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUFY (FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFY charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

BUFY vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFY) 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, BUFY achieves a 4.68% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 5.52% return.

BUFY

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 4.68%
• 6M: 4.63%
• 1Y: 12.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 5.52%
• 6M: 5.21%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFY vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFY FT Vest Laddered International Moderate Buffer ETF	4.68%	2.74%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	5.52%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFY and OCTB is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

BUFY vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFY

BUFY Risk / Return Rank: 60
BUFY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
BUFY Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
BUFY Omega Ratio Rank: 61
BUFY Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
BUFY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

BUFY vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	BUFY	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.20	—	—

Drawdowns

BUFY vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFY drawdown since its inception was -8.01%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFY and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFY	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.01%	-4.79%	-3.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-0.82%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.66%	-0.69%	-0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFY	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.10%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.81%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.96%	7.26%	-0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.50%	7.26%	+1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.50%	7.26%	+1.24%

BUFY vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFY has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFY vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFY nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFY and OCTB in my portfolio?

BUFY and OCTB have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BUFY 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, BUFY or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for BUFY.

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

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

What is the main difference between BUFY and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for BUFY and 0.25% for OCTB.