FHDG vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FHDG (FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Dynamic Buffer ETF) 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. FHDG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

FHDG vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Dynamic Buffer ETF (FHDG) 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, FHDG achieves a 5.91% return, which is significantly higher than OCTB's 5.38% return.

FHDG

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.10%
• YTD: 5.91%
• 6M: 5.64%
• 1Y: 13.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 5.38%
• 6M: 4.91%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FHDG vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FHDG FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Dynamic Buffer ETF	5.91%	2.84%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	5.38%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FHDG 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 14, 2025	0.95

Return for Risk

FHDG vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FHDG

FHDG Risk / Return Rank: 87
FHDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FHDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FHDG Omega Ratio Rank: 91
FHDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
FHDG Martin Ratio Rank: 91

OCTB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

FHDG vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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.

	FHDG	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.52	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.38	—	—

Drawdowns

FHDG vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FHDG drawdown since its inception was -14.01%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FHDG and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FHDG	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.01%	-4.79%	-9.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	-0.94%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.11%	-0.69%	-0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.75%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FHDG	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.14%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.77%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.65%	7.24%	-1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.61%	7.24%	+4.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.61%	7.24%	+4.37%

FHDG vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FHDG vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither FHDG nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FHDG and OCTB in my portfolio?

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

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

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

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

What is the main difference between FHDG and OCTB?

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