OCTB vs. PSTP

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) and PSTP (Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) 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 0.89%/yr for PSTP.

Performance

OCTB vs. PSTP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB) and Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, OCTB achieves a 6.99% return, which is significantly higher than PSTP's 4.50% return.

OCTB

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.66%
• 6M: 6.28%
• YTD: 6.99%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PSTP

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.38%
• 6M: 3.66%
• YTD: 4.50%
• 1Y: 10.06%
• 3Y*: 10.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

OCTB vs. PSTP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.99%	2.37%
PSTP Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	4.50%	1.86%

Correlation

The correlation between OCTB and PSTP 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 14, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

OCTB vs. PSTP — 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.

PSTP

PSTP Risk / Return Rank: 57
PSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
PSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 58
PSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
PSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. PSTP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB) and Innovator Power Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (PSTP). 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	PSTP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.54	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.22	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.29	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.98	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.36	—

Drawdowns

OCTB vs. PSTP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OCTB drawdown since its inception was -4.79%, smaller than the maximum PSTP drawdown of -12.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OCTB and PSTP.

Drawdown Indicators

	OCTB	PSTP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-12.46%	+7.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.11%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-0.14%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-2.37%	+1.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	OCTB	PSTP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.37%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.14%	6.56%	+0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.14%	9.18%	-2.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.14%	9.18%	-2.04%

OCTB vs. PSTP - Expense Ratio Comparison

OCTB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PSTP's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

OCTB vs. PSTP - Dividend Comparison

Neither OCTB nor PSTP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OCTB and PSTP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, OCTB and PSTP 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 PSTP?

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 PSTP?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for PSTP.

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

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

What is the main difference between OCTB and PSTP?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for OCTB and 0.89% for PSTP.