DDSQ vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDSQ (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DDSQ charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

DDSQ vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Equity Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (DDSQ) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DDSQ

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.06%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 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)

DDSQ vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DDSQ Innovator Equity Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	9.54%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.19%

Correlation

The correlation between DDSQ and OCTB is 0.85, 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 Jan 5, 2026	0.85

Return for Risk

DDSQ vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Equity Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (DDSQ) 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

	DDSQ	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.11	1.97	+0.14

Drawdowns

DDSQ vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDSQ drawdown since its inception was -3.69%, smaller than the maximum OCTB drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDSQ and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDSQ	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.69%	-4.79%	+1.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-0.17%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-0.70%	+0.35%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDSQ	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.76%	7.20%	+4.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.76%	7.20%	+4.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.76%	7.20%	+4.56%

DDSQ vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDSQ has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDSQ vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DDSQ nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDSQ and OCTB in my portfolio?

DDSQ and OCTB have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDSQ 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, DDSQ or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDSQ.

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

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

What is the main difference between DDSQ and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DDSQ and 0.25% for OCTB.