OCTB vs QQQ
Aptus October Buffer ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, OCTB or QQQ?
Option Writing against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OCTB | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $46M | $498.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.42% |
| Holdings | 10 | 321 |
| YTD Return | +11.72% | +22.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.36% | +23.60%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +27.53% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.67% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7%Best | 21.7% |
| Fund Family | Aptus ETFs | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
OCTB vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
OCTB vs QQQ Performance
Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB) is an ETF from Aptus ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year OCTB returned +14.36% while QQQ returned +23.60%. Year to date, OCTB is up 11.72% versus a gain of 22.95% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% compared with 6.7% for OCTB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OCTB charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OCTB currently yields 0.00% against 0.42% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of OCTB and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OCTB or QQQ?
OCTB has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $7 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, OCTB or QQQ?
Over the past year OCTB returned +14.36% vs +23.60% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, OCTB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 6.7% for OCTB.
Should I hold both OCTB and QQQ?
OCTB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, OCTB or QQQ?
OCTB yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.42%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than OCTB?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.