TMAR vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TMAR (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. TMAR is passively managed, while OCTB is actively managed. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TMAR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

TMAR vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR) 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, TMAR achieves a 12.21% return, which is significantly higher than OCTB's 5.38% return.

TMAR

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 12.21%
• 6M: 12.43%
• 1Y: 22.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 5.38%
• 6M: 4.91%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TMAR vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TMAR FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March	12.21%	3.03%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	5.38%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between TMAR and OCTB is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.73

Return for Risk

TMAR vs. OCTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

TMAR

TMAR Risk / Return Rank: 86
TMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
TMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
TMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 91
TMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
TMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 94

OCTB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

TMAR vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March (TMAR) 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.

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.

	TMAR	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.99	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.86	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.50	—	—

Drawdowns

TMAR vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TMAR drawdown since its inception was -9.93%, which is greater than OCTB's maximum drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TMAR and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	TMAR	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.93%	-4.79%	-5.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.69%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.96%	-0.94%	-2.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.73%	-0.69%	-0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TMAR	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.23%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.88%	7.24%	+3.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.31%	7.24%	+5.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.31%	7.24%	+5.07%

TMAR vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

TMAR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

TMAR vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither TMAR nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TMAR and OCTB in my portfolio?

TMAR and OCTB have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, TMAR 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, TMAR or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TMAR.

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

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

What is the main difference between TMAR and OCTB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Aptus Capital Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for TMAR and 0.25% for OCTB.