PAUG vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PAUG (Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - August) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. PAUG is passively managed, while OCTB is actively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PAUG charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

PAUG vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PAUG achieves a 4.92% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 6.18% return.

PAUG

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 6M: 5.53%
• 1Y: 14.97%
• 3Y*: 14.49%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

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

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

PAUG vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PAUG Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - August	4.92%	2.18%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between PAUG and OCTB 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

PAUG vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PAUG

PAUG Risk / Return Rank: 85
PAUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
PAUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
PAUG Omega Ratio Rank: 89
PAUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
PAUG Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

PAUG vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - August (PAUG) and Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). 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.

	PAUG	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.69	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.99	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.80	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.75	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PAUG	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.69	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.06	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	1.97	-1.09

Drawdowns

PAUG vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PAUG drawdown since its inception was -17.88%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PAUG and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PAUG	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.88%	-4.79%	-13.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.96%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.45%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.76%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.06%	-0.17%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.81%	-0.70%	-1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.72%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PAUG	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.58%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.18%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.60%	7.20%	-1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.71%	7.20%	+1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.60%	7.20%	+3.40%

PAUG vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PAUG has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PAUG vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither PAUG nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PAUG Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - August	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PAUG and OCTB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PAUG and OCTB 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, PAUG or OCTB?

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, PAUG or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for PAUG.

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

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

What is the main difference between PAUG and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for PAUG and 0.25% for OCTB.