Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
BOCT vs BSEP
Where each one stands today
BOCT resets first, on Sep 30, 2026, 26 days from now; BSEP runs to Aug 31, 2027, 361 days. BOCT can still gain 1.2% before its cap, BSEP 19.4%. A fall from here reaches BOCT’s buffer after 12.3% and BSEP’s after 0.3%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is the buffer desk’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOCT | BSEP | BOCT | BSEP | |
| 3 months | +4.6% | +4.2% | −0.1 pts | −0.5 pts |
| 6 months | +11.8% | +11.0% | −3.4 pts | −4.2 pts |
| 1 year | +15.7% | +14.4% | −4.3 pts | −5.5 pts |
| 3 years | +47.7% | +55.8% | −30.2 pts | −22.2 pts |
| BOCT Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - Oct | BSEP Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - Sep | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Sep 30, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026 | Aug 31, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 |
| Days left | 26 | 361 |
| Starting cap | +15.4% | +19.8% |
| Can still gain | 1.2% | 19.4% |
| Fall before buffer | 12.3% | 0.3% |
| Protection left, index points | 9.0% of 9.0% | 9.0% of 9.0% |
| Index return this period | +15.6% | +0.4% |
| Fund return this period | +13.1% | +0.3% |
| State today | At cap | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.79% |
BOCT in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +15.4% for the period on Sep 4, 2026, so in index terms there is no more upside to collect. The fund's own price can still drift up to about 1.2% as the period runs out. The fund's price can fall 12.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 13.5% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 9.0% of the 9.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 26 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Sep 30, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
BSEP in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 19.4% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 0.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 0.4% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 9.0% of the 9.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 361 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Aug 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, BOCT or BSEP?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, BOCT can gain about 1.2% before its cap and BSEP about 19.4%, so BSEP has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, BOCT or BSEP?
- BOCT ends its outcome period on Sep 30, 2026 and BSEP on Aug 31, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, BOCT or BSEP?
- BOCT charges 0.79% a year and BSEP charges 0.79%, so BOCT is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, BOCT against BSEP, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/BOCT-BSEP.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.