OCTM vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - October vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OCTM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $31M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.19% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.56% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
OCTM vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - October (OCTM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year OCTM returned +6.56% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, OCTM is up 4.19% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.8% for OCTM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.3% for OCTM and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OCTM charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OCTM currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
OCTM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OCTM or SPY?
OCTM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OCTM or SPY?
Over the past year OCTM returned +6.56% vs +20.57% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), OCTM annualized +6.29% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OCTM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.8% for OCTM. Worst drawdown: OCTM -3.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both OCTM and SPY?
OCTM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between OCTM and SPY?
OCTM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OCTM or SPY?
OCTM yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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