Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
BSEP vs POCT
Where each one stands today
POCT resets first, on Sep 30, 2026, 26 days from now; BSEP runs to Aug 31, 2027, 361 days. BSEP can still gain 19.4% before its cap, POCT 0.5%. A fall from here reaches BSEP’s buffer after 0.3% and POCT’s after 10.2%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSEP | POCT | BSEP | POCT | |
| 3 months | +4.2% | +3.5% | −0.5 pts | −1.2 pts |
| 6 months | +11.0% | +8.9% | −4.2 pts | −6.2 pts |
| 1 year | +14.4% | +11.5% | −5.5 pts | −8.5 pts |
| 3 years | +55.8% | +39.8% | −22.2 pts | −38.2 pts |
| BSEP Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - Sep | POCT Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - Oct | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Aug 31, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 | Sep 30, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026 |
| Days left | 361 | 26 |
| Starting cap | +19.8% | +11.8% |
| Can still gain | 19.4% | 0.5% |
| Fall before buffer | 0.3% | 10.2% |
| Protection left, index points | 9.0% of 9.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +0.4% | +15.6% |
| Fund return this period | +0.3% | +10.4% |
| State today | Open | At cap |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.79% |
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.
POCT in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +11.8% 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 0.5% as the period runs out. The fund's price can fall 10.2% 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: 15.0% of the 15.0% 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.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, BSEP or POCT?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, BSEP can gain about 19.4% before its cap and POCT about 0.5%, so BSEP has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, BSEP or POCT?
- BSEP ends its outcome period on Aug 31, 2027 and POCT on Sep 30, 2026. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, BSEP or POCT?
- BSEP charges 0.79% a year and POCT charges 0.79%, so BSEP 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, BSEP against POCT, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/BSEP-POCT.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.