OCTB vs. PBSE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) and PBSE (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. OCTB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBSE.

Performance

OCTB vs. PBSE - 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 - September (PBSE). 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 PBSE's 4.31% return.

OCTB

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

PBSE

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.42%
• YTD: 4.31%
• 6M: 5.00%
• 1Y: 12.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

OCTB vs. PBSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%
PBSE PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - September	4.31%	2.14%

Correlation

The correlation between OCTB and PBSE is 0.95 - 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	0.95

Return for Risk

OCTB vs. PBSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBSE

PBSE Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
PBSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBSE Omega Ratio Rank: 92
PBSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PBSE 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. PBSE - 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 - September (PBSE). 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	PBSE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.97	1.57	+0.40

Drawdowns

OCTB vs. PBSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OCTB drawdown since its inception was -4.79%, smaller than the maximum PBSE drawdown of -8.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OCTB and PBSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	OCTB	PBSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-8.35%	+3.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.15%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.05%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.70%	-0.63%	-0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.59%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	OCTB	PBSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.46%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.42%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.20%	4.53%	+2.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.20%	6.66%	+0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.20%	6.66%	+0.54%

OCTB vs. PBSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

OCTB vs. PBSE - Dividend Comparison

Neither OCTB nor PBSE has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OCTB and PBSE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, OCTB and PBSE 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 PBSE?

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 PBSE?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between OCTB and PBSE?

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