OCTB vs. PBAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) and PBAU (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. OCTB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBAU.

Performance

OCTB vs. PBAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB) and PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, OCTB achieves a 6.18% return, which is significantly higher than PBAU's 4.33% return.

OCTB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 6.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBAU

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 4.33%
• 6M: 5.01%
• 1Y: 13.47%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

OCTB vs. PBAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%
PBAU PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August	4.33%	2.16%

Correlation

The correlation between OCTB and PBAU is 0.94, 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 15, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

OCTB vs. PBAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBAU

PBAU Risk / Return Rank: 87
PBAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
PBAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
PBAU Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PBAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PBAU Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. PBAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB) and PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU). 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

	OCTB	PBAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.76	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.97	1.58	+0.39

Drawdowns

OCTB vs. PBAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OCTB drawdown since its inception was -4.79%, smaller than the maximum PBAU drawdown of -8.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OCTB and PBAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	OCTB	PBAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-8.87%	+4.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.05%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.70%	-0.66%	-0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.62%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	OCTB	PBAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.47%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.60%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.20%	4.91%	+2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.20%	7.21%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.20%	7.21%	-0.01%

OCTB vs. PBAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

OCTB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PBAU's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

OCTB vs. PBAU - Dividend Comparison

Neither OCTB nor PBAU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OCTB and PBAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, OCTB and PBAU 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, OCTB or PBAU?

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 PBAU?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBAU.

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

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

What is the main difference between OCTB and PBAU?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for OCTB and 0.50% for PBAU.