Data as of . Every figure is the buffer desk's own, on published data.
GJAN vs UOCT
Where each one stands today
UOCT resets first, on Sep 30, 2026, 26 days from now; GJAN runs to Jan 15, 2027, 133 days. GJAN can still gain 3.8% before its cap, UOCT 0.5%. A fall from here reaches GJAN’s buffer after 7.3% 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GJAN | UOCT | GJAN | UOCT | |
| 3 months | +3.1% | +3.3% | −1.6 pts | −1.4 pts |
| 6 months | +8.5% | +8.1% | −6.7 pts | −7.1 pts |
| 1 year | +11.9% | +10.7% | −8.1 pts | −9.3 pts |
| 3 years | +39.6% | +38.8% | −38.3 pts | −39.1 pts |
| GJAN FT Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - January | UOCT Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - Oct | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | ||
| Outcome period | Jan 20, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027 | Sep 30, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026 |
| Days left | 133 | 26 |
| Starting cap | +11.8% | +11.0% |
| Can still gain | 3.8% | 0.5% |
| Fall before buffer | 7.3% | 14.2% |
| Protection left, index points | 15.0% of 15.0% | 30.0% of 30.0% |
| Index return this period | +11.3% | +15.6% |
| Fund return this period | +6.9% | +9.7% |
| State today | Open | At cap |
| Expense ratio | 0.85% | 0.79% |
GJAN in plain words
From its price on Sep 4, 2026, the fund can gain about 3.8% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 7.3% 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: 15.0% of the 15.0% 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.
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, GJAN or UOCT?
- From their prices on Sep 4, 2026, GJAN can gain about 3.8% before its cap and UOCT about 0.5%, so GJAN has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, GJAN or UOCT?
- GJAN ends its outcome period on Jan 15, 2027 and UOCT on Sep 30, 2026. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, GJAN or UOCT?
- GJAN 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, GJAN against UOCT, data as of Sep 4, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/GJAN-UOCT.html Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.