FOCT vs. FBUF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FOCT (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October) and FBUF (Fidelity Dynamic Buffered Equity ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FOCT returned 17.13% vs 15.31% for FBUF. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FOCT charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.48%/yr for FBUF.

Performance

FOCT vs. FBUF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FOCT achieves a 5.67% return, which is significantly higher than FBUF's 3.45% return.

FOCT

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 5.67%
• 6M: 5.07%
• 1Y: 17.13%
• 3Y*: 11.86%
• 5Y*: 8.80%
• 10Y*: —

FBUF

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -0.95%
• YTD: 3.45%
• 6M: 2.70%
• 1Y: 15.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FOCT vs. FBUF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FOCT FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October	5.67%	14.92%	5.53%
FBUF Fidelity Dynamic Buffered Equity ETF	3.45%	14.01%	10.55%

Correlation

The correlation between FOCT and FBUF 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2024	0.87

The correlation between FOCT and FBUF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FOCT vs. FBUF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FOCT

FOCT Risk / Return Rank: 76
FOCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FOCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FOCT Omega Ratio Rank: 79
FOCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
FOCT Martin Ratio Rank: 82

FBUF

FBUF Risk / Return Rank: 66
FBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
FBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
FBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

FOCT vs. FBUF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT) and Fidelity Dynamic Buffered Equity ETF (FBUF). 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.

	FOCT	FBUF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.91	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.56	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.38	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	2.74	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.53	11.64	+2.89

FOCT vs. FBUF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FOCT Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the FBUF Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FOCT and FBUF, 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

FOCT vs. FBUF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FOCT drawdown since its inception was -14.07%, which is greater than FBUF's maximum drawdown of -11.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FOCT and FBUF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FOCT	FBUF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.07%	-11.09%	-2.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.74%	-5.61%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.06%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-1.99%	+0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.24%	-1.38%	-0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.18%	1.32%	-0.14%

Volatility

FOCT vs. FBUF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT) is 2.22%, while Fidelity Dynamic Buffered Equity ETF (FBUF) has a volatility of 3.41%. This indicates that FOCT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FBUF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FOCT	FBUF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.22%	3.41%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.18%	6.09%	+0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.04%	8.09%	-0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.11%	9.68%	+1.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.88%	9.68%	+1.20%

FOCT vs. FBUF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FOCT has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FBUF's 0.48% expense ratio.

Dividends

FOCT vs. FBUF - Dividend Comparison

FOCT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FBUF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FBUF Fidelity Dynamic Buffered Equity ETF	0.60%	0.64%	0.54%
FOCT FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FOCT and FBUF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FOCT and FBUF 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, FOCT or FBUF?

FBUF has higher volatility (3.41%) compared to FOCT (2.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FOCT dropped -14.07% vs FBUF's -11.09%.

Which ETF is better, FOCT or FBUF?

On 1-year performance, FOCT leads with 17.13% vs 15.31% for FBUF. On fees, FBUF is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, FOCT has been the lower-risk option at 2.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FOCT or FBUF?

Over the 1-year period, FOCT has performed better with a 17.13% return vs 15.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FOCT or FBUF?

FBUF is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FOCT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FOCT or FBUF?

FBUF has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.00% for FOCT.

What is the main difference between FOCT and FBUF?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FOCT and 0.48% for FBUF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FOCT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.91), 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.