MARM vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MARM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - March) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MARM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

MARM vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - March (MARM) 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, MARM achieves a 3.24% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 6.18% return.

MARM

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 3.24%
• 6M: 3.86%
• 1Y: 7.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

MARM vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MARM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - March	3.24%	1.40%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between MARM and OCTB is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 15, 2025	0.64

Return for Risk

MARM vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MARM

MARM Risk / Return Rank: 98
MARM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
MARM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
MARM Omega Ratio Rank: 98
MARM Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
MARM Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

MARM vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	MARM	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.55	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	8.03	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.16	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	11.63	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	77.52	—	—
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

	MARM	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.55	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.23	1.97	+0.26

Drawdowns

MARM vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MARM drawdown since its inception was -2.74%, smaller than the maximum OCTB drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MARM and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MARM	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.74%	-4.79%	+2.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-0.17%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.20%	-0.70%	+0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.09%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MARM	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.41%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.28%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.60%	7.20%	-5.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.38%	7.20%	-3.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.38%	7.20%	-3.82%

MARM vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MARM vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither MARM nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MARM and OCTB in my portfolio?

MARM and OCTB have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MARM 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, MARM or OCTB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between MARM and OCTB?

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