PBAU vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

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

Performance

PBAU vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) 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, PBAU achieves a 4.48% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 6.34% return.

PBAU

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 1.34%
• YTD: 4.48%
• 6M: 5.12%
• 1Y: 13.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 6.34%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBAU vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBAU PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August	4.48%	2.16%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.34%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between PBAU and OCTB 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

PBAU vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBAU

PBAU Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
PBAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PBAU Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PBAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
PBAU Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PBAU vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PBAU	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.79	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.13	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.16	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.12	—	—
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

	PBAU	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.79	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.59	2.00	-0.41

Drawdowns

PBAU vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	PBAU	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-4.79%	-4.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-0.70%	+0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.62%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBAU	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.46%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.60%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.90%	7.18%	-2.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.21%	7.18%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.21%	7.18%	+0.03%

PBAU vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PBAU vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBAU nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBAU and OCTB in my portfolio?

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

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PBAU and OCTB?

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