FFEB vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FFEB (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FFEB charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

FFEB vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB) 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, FFEB achieves a 7.65% return, which is significantly higher than OCTB's 6.18% return.

FFEB

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 7.65%
• 6M: 8.55%
• 1Y: 19.32%
• 3Y*: 16.35%
• 5Y*: 11.09%
• 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)

FFEB vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February	7.65%	3.09%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FFEB and OCTB is 0.95 - 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 Oct 15, 2025	0.95

Return for Risk

FFEB vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FFEB

FFEB Risk / Return Rank: 82
FFEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
FFEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FFEB Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FFEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FFEB Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

FFEB vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FFEB	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.94	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.39	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.01	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FFEB	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.73	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.03	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	1.97	-1.10

Drawdowns

FFEB vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FFEB drawdown since its inception was -22.81%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FFEB and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FFEB	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.81%	-4.79%	-18.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.89%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-0.17%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.40%	-0.70%	-1.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FFEB	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.24%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.56%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.12%	7.20%	-0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.81%	7.20%	+3.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.75%	7.20%	+6.55%

FFEB vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FFEB vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither FFEB nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FFEB and OCTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FFEB 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, FFEB 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, FFEB or OCTB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between FFEB and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FFEB and 0.25% for OCTB.