DGOC vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DGOC (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF - October) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGOC charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

DGOC vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF - October (DGOC) 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, DGOC achieves a 3.62% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 5.35% return.

DGOC

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 3.62%
• 6M: 4.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 5.35%
• 6M: 5.68%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DGOC vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DGOC FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF - October	3.62%	1.49%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	5.35%	1.50%

Correlation

The correlation between DGOC and OCTB is 0.91, 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 21, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

DGOC vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF - October (DGOC) 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

	DGOC	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.80	1.73	+0.06

Drawdowns

DGOC vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGOC drawdown since its inception was -2.95%, smaller than the maximum OCTB drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGOC and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGOC	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.95%	-4.79%	+1.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-0.95%	+0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.39%	-0.70%	+0.31%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DGOC	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.70%	7.26%	-2.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.70%	7.26%	-2.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.70%	7.26%	-2.56%

DGOC vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGOC has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGOC vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DGOC nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGOC and OCTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DGOC 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, DGOC 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, DGOC or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DGOC.

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

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

What is the main difference between DGOC and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DGOC and 0.25% for OCTB.