AIPI vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

AIPI (REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIPI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by REX, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. AIPI is actively managed, while FTQI is passively managed. Over the past year, AIPI returned 14.96% vs 26.34% for FTQI. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AIPI charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

AIPI vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF (AIPI) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIPI achieves a 5.08% return, which is significantly lower than FTQI's 12.76% return.

AIPI

• 1D: -1.58%
• 1M: -1.60%
• 6M: 6.35%
• YTD: 5.08%
• 1Y: 14.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTQI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 1.28%
• 6M: 11.68%
• YTD: 12.76%
• 1Y: 26.34%
• 3Y*: 16.62%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 7.85%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AIPI vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIPI REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF	5.08%	16.38%	15.79%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.76%	12.68%	10.50%

Correlation

The correlation between AIPI and FTQI is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2024	0.81

The correlation between AIPI and FTQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

AIPI vs. FTQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIPI	FTQI
Technology	93.0%	49.4%
Communication Services	4.7%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	2.3%	10.5%
Basic Materials	-	1.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.2%
Energy	-	2.3%
Financial Services	-	5.5%
Healthcare	-	6.0%
Industrials	-	4.1%
Real Estate	-	1.3%
Utilities	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

AIPI vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AIPI

AIPI Risk / Return Rank: 27
AIPI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
AIPI Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
AIPI Omega Ratio Rank: 27
AIPI Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
AIPI Martin Ratio Rank: 28

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AIPI vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF (AIPI) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AIPI	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	2.43	-1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.24	3.37	-2.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.45	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.04	4.24	-3.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.09	20.07	-16.98

AIPI vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIPI Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is lower than the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIPI and FTQI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AIPI vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIPI drawdown since its inception was -25.25%, which is greater than FTQI's maximum drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIPI and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIPI	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.25%	-19.42%	-5.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.40%	-6.24%	-8.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.83%	-0.85%	-4.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.62%	-3.73%	-0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.85%	1.32%	+3.53%

Volatility

AIPI vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF (AIPI) has a higher volatility of 6.39% compared to First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) at 2.92%. This indicates that AIPI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIPI	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.39%	2.92%	+3.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.37%	8.83%	+5.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.44%	10.87%	+6.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.46%	14.82%	+6.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.46%	12.98%	+8.48%

AIPI vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIPI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIPI vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

AIPI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 38.78%, more than FTQI's 10.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIPI REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF	38.78%	37.84%	18.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.92%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIPI and FTQI in my portfolio?

AIPI and FTQI have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIPI or FTQI?

AIPI has higher volatility (6.39%) compared to FTQI (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIPI dropped -25.25% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, AIPI or FTQI?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 26.34% vs 14.96% for AIPI. On fees, AIPI is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, FTQI has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIPI or FTQI?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 26.34% return vs 14.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIPI or FTQI?

AIPI is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIPI or FTQI?

AIPI has the higher dividend yield at 38.78%, compared with 10.92% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between AIPI and FTQI?

AIPI is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: REX and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AIPI and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 0.86), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.