Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
DOCT vs FJAN
Where each one stands today
DOCT resets first, on Oct 16, 2026, 42 days from now; FJAN runs to Jan 15, 2027, 133 days. DOCT can still gain 0.9% before its cap, FJAN 5.0%. A fall from here reaches DOCT’s buffer after 14.3% and FJAN’s after 8.4%. 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 | FJAN | DOCT | FJAN | |
| 3 months | +3.3% | +3.6% | −1.4 pts | −1.1 pts |
| 6 months | +8.5% | +10.2% | −6.7 pts | −5.0 pts |
| 1 year | +12.5% | +14.8% | −7.5 pts | −5.2 pts |
| 3 years | +34.7% | +50.2% | −43.3 pts | −27.7 pts |
| DOCT FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October | FJAN FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | First Trust |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Oct 20, 2025 to Oct 16, 2026 | Jan 20, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027 |
| Days left | 42 | 133 |
| Starting cap | +11.7% | +14.5% |
| Can still gain | 0.9% | 5.0% |
| Fall before buffer | 14.3% | 8.4% |
| Protection left, index points | 25.0% of 25.0% | 10.0% of 10.0% |
| Index return this period | +15.9% | +11.3% |
| Fund return this period | +9.8% | +8.3% |
| 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.
FJAN in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 5.0% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 8.4% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 10.2% 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. 133 days remained on Sep 4, 2026. On Jan 15, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DOCT or FJAN?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, DOCT can gain about 0.9% before its cap and FJAN about 5.0%, so FJAN has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DOCT or FJAN?
- DOCT ends its outcome period on Oct 16, 2026 and FJAN on Jan 15, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DOCT or FJAN?
- DOCT charges 0.85% a year and FJAN 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 FJAN, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/DOCT-FJAN.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.