Data as of .
PQXX vs ZOCT: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 ZOCT can fall 6.1% before its buffer engages and PQXX 2.1%.
These are two different products. ZOCT is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. PQXX is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Where each one stands today
PQXX resets first, on Sep 30, 2026, 9 days from now; ZOCT runs to Sep 30, 2026, 9 days. PQXX can still gain 0.4% before its cap, ZOCT 0.1%. A fall from here reaches PQXX’s buffer after 2.1% and ZOCT’s after 6.1%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PQXX | ZOCT | PQXX | ZOCT | |
| 3 months | not published | +1.6% | not published | −0.6 pts |
| 6 months | not published | +5.0% | not published | −13.1 pts |
| 1 year | not published | +5.7% | not published | −10.9 pts |
| PQXX PGIM S&P 500 Quarterly Buffer 20 ETF Absorbs the first 20% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 2.6%, over a period ending Sep 30, 2026 | ZOCT Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr October Absorbs the whole loss on SPY and caps the gain at 6.5%, over a period ending Sep 30, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | PGIM | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 20% | 100% |
| Outcome period | Jul 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2026 | Sep 30, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026 |
| Days left | 9 | 9 |
| Starting cap | +2.6% | +6.5% |
| Can still gain | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| Fall before buffer | 2.1% | 6.1% |
| Protection left, index points | 20.0% of 20.0% | 100.0% of 100.0% |
| Index return this period | +3.6% | +16.2% |
| Fund return this period | +2.0% | +5.6% |
| State today | At cap | At cap |
| Expense ratio | 0.50% | 0.79% |
| Net assets | $3m | $105m |
PQXX in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +2.6% for the period on Sep 21, 2026, so in index terms there is no more upside to collect. The fund's own price can still drift up to about 0.4% as the period runs out. The fund's price can fall 2.1% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 3.5% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 20.0% of the 20.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 9 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Sep 30, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
ZOCT in plain words
SPY had already risen past this fund's cap of +6.5% for the period on Sep 21, 2026, so in index terms there is no more upside to collect. The fund's own price can still drift up to about 0.1% as the period runs out. The fund's price can fall 6.1% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 13.9% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 100.0% of the 100.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, PQXX or ZOCT?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, PQXX can gain about 0.4% before its cap and ZOCT about 0.1%, so PQXX has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, PQXX or ZOCT?
- PQXX ends its outcome period on Sep 30, 2026 and ZOCT on Sep 30, 2026. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, PQXX or ZOCT?
- PQXX charges 0.50% a year and ZOCT charges 0.79%, so PQXX 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, PQXX against ZOCT, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/pqxx-vs-zoct Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.