OCTB vs. ISEP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) and ISEP (Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. OCTB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for ISEP.

Performance

OCTB vs. ISEP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB) and Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September (ISEP). 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 OCTB having a 5.52% return and ISEP slightly lower at 5.43%.

OCTB

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 5.52%
• 6M: 5.21%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISEP

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 5.43%
• 6M: 5.35%
• 1Y: 13.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

OCTB vs. ISEP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	5.52%	2.37%
ISEP Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September	5.43%	2.76%

Correlation

The correlation between OCTB and ISEP is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.80

Return for Risk

OCTB vs. ISEP — Risk / Return Rank

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

OCTB

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

ISEP

ISEP Risk / Return Rank: 53
ISEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
ISEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
ISEP Omega Ratio Rank: 50
ISEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ISEP Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

OCTB vs. ISEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB) and Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September (ISEP). 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.

	OCTB	ISEP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.57	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.31	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.29	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.54	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.13	—

Drawdowns

OCTB vs. ISEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OCTB drawdown since its inception was -4.79%, smaller than the maximum ISEP drawdown of -7.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OCTB and ISEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	OCTB	ISEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-7.36%	+2.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.48%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	-0.83%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.69%	-1.53%	+0.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.52%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	OCTB	ISEP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.40%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.49%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.26%	8.88%	-1.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.26%	9.53%	-2.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.26%	9.53%	-2.27%

OCTB vs. ISEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

OCTB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than ISEP's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

OCTB vs. ISEP - Dividend Comparison

Neither OCTB nor ISEP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OCTB and ISEP in my portfolio?

OCTB and ISEP have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, OCTB or ISEP?

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, OCTB or ISEP?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between OCTB and ISEP?

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