Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
DOCT vs UOCT
Where each one stands today
UOCT resets first, on Sep 30, 2026, 26 days from now; DOCT runs to Oct 16, 2026, 42 days. DOCT can still gain 0.9% before its cap, UOCT 0.5%. A fall from here reaches DOCT’s buffer after 14.3% and UOCT’s after 14.2%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DOCT | UOCT | DOCT | UOCT | |
| 3 months | +3.3% | +3.3% | −1.4 pts | −1.4 pts |
| 6 months | +8.5% | +8.1% | −6.7 pts | −7.1 pts |
| 1 year | +12.5% | +10.7% | −7.5 pts | −9.3 pts |
| 3 years | +34.7% | +38.8% | −43.3 pts | −39.1 pts |
| DOCT FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October | UOCT Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - Oct | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Oct 20, 2025 to Oct 16, 2026 | Sep 30, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026 |
| Days left | 42 | 26 |
| Starting cap | +11.7% | +11.0% |
| Can still gain | 0.9% | 0.5% |
| Fall before buffer | 14.3% | 14.2% |
| Protection left, index points | 25.0% of 25.0% | 30.0% of 30.0% |
| Index return this period | +15.9% | +15.6% |
| Fund return this period | +9.8% | +9.7% |
| State today | At cap | At cap |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.79% |
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.
UOCT in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +11.0% 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 14.2% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 17.8% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 30.0% of the 30.0% 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, DOCT or UOCT?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, DOCT can gain about 0.9% before its cap and UOCT about 0.5%, so DOCT has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DOCT or UOCT?
- DOCT ends its outcome period on Oct 16, 2026 and UOCT on Sep 30, 2026. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DOCT or UOCT?
- DOCT charges 0.85% a year and UOCT charges 0.79%, so UOCT 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 UOCT, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/DOCT-UOCT.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.