Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
DOCT vs FAPR
Where each one stands today
DOCT resets first, on Oct 16, 2026, 42 days from now; FAPR runs to Apr 16, 2027, 224 days. DOCT can still gain 0.9% before its cap, FAPR 8.0%. A fall from here reaches DOCT’s buffer after 14.3% and FAPR’s after 6.3%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DOCT | FAPR | DOCT | FAPR | |
| 3 months | +3.3% | +3.5% | −1.4 pts | −1.2 pts |
| 6 months | +8.5% | +7.3% | −6.7 pts | −7.8 pts |
| 1 year | +12.5% | +11.0% | −7.5 pts | −9.0 pts |
| 3 years | +34.7% | +44.2% | −43.3 pts | −33.7 pts |
| DOCT FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October | FAPR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | First Trust |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Oct 20, 2025 to Oct 16, 2026 | Apr 20, 2026 to Apr 16, 2027 |
| Days left | 42 | 224 |
| Starting cap | +11.7% | +15.2% |
| Can still gain | 0.9% | 8.0% |
| Fall before buffer | 14.3% | 6.3% |
| Protection left, index points | 25.0% of 25.0% | 10.0% of 10.0% |
| Index return this period | +15.9% | +8.5% |
| Fund return this period | +9.8% | +5.8% |
| State today | At cap | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.85% |
DOCT in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +11.7% 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 0.9% as the period runs out. The fund's price can fall 14.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 18.0% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 25.0% of the 25.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 42 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Oct 16, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
FAPR in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 8.0% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 6.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 7.8% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 10.0% of the 10.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 224 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Apr 16, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DOCT or FAPR?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, DOCT can gain about 0.9% before its cap and FAPR about 8.0%, so FAPR has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DOCT or FAPR?
- DOCT ends its outcome period on Oct 16, 2026 and FAPR on Apr 16, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DOCT or FAPR?
- DOCT charges 0.85% a year and FAPR charges 0.85%, so DOCT 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, DOCT against FAPR, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/DOCT-FAPR.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.