JULB vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from Aptus Capital Advisors. Both are actively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

JULB vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with JULB having a 6.52% return and OCTB slightly lower at 6.34%.

JULB

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 7.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 6.34%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JULB vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.52%	2.56%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.34%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between JULB 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 Oct 15, 2025	0.96

Return for Risk

JULB vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) 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

	JULB	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.21	2.00	+0.21

Drawdowns

JULB vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JULB drawdown since its inception was -5.24%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JULB and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	JULB	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-4.79%	-0.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-0.70%	-0.17%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JULB	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.79%	7.18%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.79%	7.18%	-0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.79%	7.18%	-0.39%

JULB vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both JULB and OCTB have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

JULB vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither JULB nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JULB and OCTB in my portfolio?

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

Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, JULB or OCTB?

JULB and OCTB have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

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

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