DOCT vs. BUFD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

DOCT (FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October) and BUFD (FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from FT Vest. DOCT is passively managed, while BUFD is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, DOCT returned 7.54%/yr vs 7.31%/yr for BUFD. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DOCT charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BUFD.

Performance

DOCT vs. BUFD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT) and FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DOCT having a 4.49% return and BUFD slightly higher at 4.60%.

DOCT

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -0.30%
• YTD: 4.49%
• 6M: 4.13%
• 1Y: 14.30%
• 3Y*: 10.36%
• 5Y*: 7.54%
• 10Y*: —

BUFD

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 4.60%
• 6M: 4.09%
• 1Y: 12.36%
• 3Y*: 11.78%
• 5Y*: 7.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

DOCT vs. BUFD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DOCT FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October	4.49%	12.50%	8.28%	16.13%	-5.27%	6.18%
BUFD FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF	4.60%	10.66%	12.42%	15.40%	-7.70%	5.86%

Correlation

The correlation between DOCT and BUFD 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 21, 2021	0.84

The correlation between DOCT and BUFD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DOCT vs. BUFD — Risk / Return Rank

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

DOCT

DOCT Risk / Return Rank: 85
DOCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
DOCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DOCT Omega Ratio Rank: 88
DOCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DOCT Martin Ratio Rank: 87

BUFD

BUFD Risk / Return Rank: 87
BUFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
BUFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
BUFD Omega Ratio Rank: 89
BUFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
BUFD Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

DOCT vs. BUFD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT) and FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD). 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.

	DOCT	BUFD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	2.38	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.65	3.60	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.49	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.31	3.62	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.47	19.33	-2.86

DOCT vs. BUFD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DOCT Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is comparable to the BUFD Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DOCT and BUFD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DOCT vs. BUFD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DOCT drawdown since its inception was -9.92%, smaller than the maximum BUFD drawdown of -10.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DOCT and BUFD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DOCT	BUFD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.92%	-10.75%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.34%	-3.43%	-0.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.92%	-10.15%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.92%	-10.75%	+0.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.80%	-0.67%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-1.95%	+0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	0.64%	+0.23%

Volatility

DOCT vs. BUFD - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT) and FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (BUFD) have volatilities of 1.61% and 1.66%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DOCT	BUFD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.61%	1.66%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.57%	4.17%	+0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.92%	5.22%	+0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.36%	7.75%	-0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.32%	7.54%	+40.78%

DOCT vs. BUFD - Expense Ratio Comparison

DOCT has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

DOCT vs. BUFD - Dividend Comparison

Neither DOCT nor BUFD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DOCT and BUFD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DOCT and BUFD 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 is riskier, DOCT or BUFD?

BUFD has higher volatility (1.66%) compared to DOCT (1.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DOCT dropped -9.92% vs BUFD's -10.75%.

Which ETF is better, DOCT or BUFD?

On 5-year performance, DOCT leads with 7.54% vs 7.31% for BUFD. On fees, DOCT is cheaper at 0.85% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DOCT or BUFD?

Over the 5-year period, DOCT has performed better with a 7.54% return vs 7.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DOCT or BUFD?

DOCT is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DOCT or BUFD?

DOCT and BUFD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DOCT and BUFD?

Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DOCT and 0.95% for BUFD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DOCT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 2.38), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.