DLFE vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DLFE (FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. DLFE is passively managed, while OCTB is actively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DLFE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

DLFE vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DLFE

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 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)

DLFE vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DLFE FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February	4.27%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	5.07%

Correlation

The correlation between DLFE and OCTB is 0.96 - 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 Feb 24, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

DLFE vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) 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

	DLFE	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.98	1.73	+0.25

Drawdowns

DLFE vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLFE drawdown since its inception was -5.03%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLFE and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLFE	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-4.79%	-0.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-0.95%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.98%	-0.70%	-0.28%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DLFE	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.01%	7.26%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.01%	7.26%	+0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.01%	7.26%	+0.75%

DLFE vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DLFE vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither DLFE nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLFE and OCTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DLFE 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, DLFE 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, DLFE or OCTB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between DLFE and OCTB?

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