OCTM vs. QB

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

OCTM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - October) and QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. OCTM is actively managed, while QB is passively managed. Over the past year, OCTM returned 6.96% vs 18.28% for QB. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. OCTM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for QB.

Performance

OCTM vs. QB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - October (OCTM) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, OCTM achieves a 3.23% return, which is significantly lower than QB's 12.15% return.

OCTM

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.61%
• 6M: 2.89%
• YTD: 3.23%
• 1Y: 6.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QB

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 3.02%
• 6M: 10.85%
• YTD: 12.15%
• 1Y: 18.28%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

OCTM vs. QB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
OCTM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - October	3.23%	4.48%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	12.15%	6.10%

Correlation

The correlation between OCTM and QB is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.72

The correlation between OCTM and QB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

OCTM vs. QB — Risk / Return Rank

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

OCTM

OCTM Risk / Return Rank: 94
OCTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
OCTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
OCTM Omega Ratio Rank: 96
OCTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
OCTM Martin Ratio Rank: 94

QB

QB Risk / Return Rank: 94
QB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QB Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
QB Omega Ratio Rank: 95
QB Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
QB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

OCTM vs. QB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - October (OCTM) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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.

	OCTM	QB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.96	2.62	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.57	3.81	+0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.62	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.26	5.28	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.89	25.48	-4.59

OCTM vs. QB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current OCTM Sharpe Ratio is 2.96, which is comparable to the QB Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of OCTM and QB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

OCTM vs. QB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OCTM drawdown since its inception was -3.29%, smaller than the maximum QB drawdown of -3.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OCTM and QB.

Drawdown Indicators

	OCTM	QB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.29%	-3.47%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.64%	-3.47%	+1.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.31%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-0.42%	+0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	0.72%	-0.39%

Volatility

OCTM vs. QB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - October (OCTM) is 0.53%, while ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB) has a volatility of 3.05%. This indicates that OCTM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	OCTM	QB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.53%	3.05%	-2.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.87%	5.83%	-3.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37%	7.03%	-4.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.04%	6.93%	-3.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.04%	6.93%	-3.89%

OCTM vs. QB - Expense Ratio Comparison

OCTM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than QB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

OCTM vs. QB - Dividend Comparison

OCTM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%.

Position	TTM	2025
OCTM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - October	0.00%	0.00%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.78%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OCTM and QB in my portfolio?

OCTM and QB have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, OCTM or QB?

QB has higher volatility (3.05%) compared to OCTM (0.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, OCTM dropped -3.29% vs QB's -3.47%.

Which ETF is better, OCTM or QB?

On 1-year performance, QB leads with 18.28% vs 6.96% for OCTM. On fees, QB is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, OCTM has been the lower-risk option at 0.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, OCTM or QB?

Over the 1-year period, QB has performed better with a 18.28% return vs 6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, OCTM or QB?

QB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for OCTM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, OCTM or QB?

QB has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.00% for OCTM.

What is the main difference between OCTM and QB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for OCTM and 0.58% for QB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OCTM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.96 vs 2.62), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.