BDCX vs. QULL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BDCX (ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN) and QULL (ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Quality Factor TR ETN) are both Leveraged Equities funds from UBS - BDCX tracks the MVIS US Business Development Companies (150%) while QULL tracks the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BDCX returned 2.33%/yr vs 16.69%/yr for QULL. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

BDCX vs. QULL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) and ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Quality Factor TR ETN (QULL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BDCX achieves a -8.64% return, which is significantly lower than QULL's 15.23% return.

BDCX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -7.16%
• YTD: -8.64%
• 6M: -8.85%
• 1Y: -13.87%
• 3Y*: 4.83%
• 5Y*: 2.33%
• 10Y*: —

QULL

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 7.79%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 6M: 15.73%
• 1Y: 40.54%
• 3Y*: 32.44%
• 5Y*: 16.69%
• 10Y*: —

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

BDCX vs. QULL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BDCX ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN	-8.64%	-10.42%	15.32%	35.33%	-17.67%	35.66%
QULL ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Quality Factor TR ETN	15.23%	17.61%	38.03%	57.07%	-42.00%	51.36%

Correlation

The correlation between BDCX and QULL is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2021	0.54

The correlation between BDCX and QULL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.44 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BDCX vs. QULL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BDCX

BDCX Risk / Return Rank: 4
BDCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

QULL

QULL Risk / Return Rank: 47
QULL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
QULL Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QULL Omega Ratio Rank: 44
QULL Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
QULL Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

BDCX vs. QULL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) and ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Quality Factor TR ETN (QULL). 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.

	BDCX	QULL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.52	1.67	-2.18
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.60	2.31	-2.91
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.28	-0.35
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.50	2.23	-2.73
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.88	9.90	-10.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BDCX vs. QULL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BDCX Sharpe Ratio is -0.52, which is lower than the QULL Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BDCX and QULL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BDCX	QULL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.52	1.67	-2.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09	0.47	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.56	-0.10

Drawdowns

BDCX vs. QULL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDCX drawdown since its inception was -34.96%, smaller than the maximum QULL drawdown of -51.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDCX and QULL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDCX	QULL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-51.83%	+16.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.46%	-18.43%	-12.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.39%	-36.82%	+3.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.96%	-51.83%	+16.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.75%	-0.02%	-25.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.05%	-14.07%	+4.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.06%	4.15%	+12.91%

Volatility

BDCX vs. QULL - Volatility Comparison

ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) has a higher volatility of 6.41% compared to ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Quality Factor TR ETN (QULL) at 4.89%. This indicates that BDCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QULL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BDCX	QULL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	4.89%	+1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.02%	18.80%	+3.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.90%	24.46%	+2.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.44%	35.62%	-9.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.85%	35.16%	-8.31%

BDCX vs. QULL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BDCX and QULL have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

BDCX vs. QULL - Dividend Comparison

BDCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.59%, while QULL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BDCX ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN	19.59%	19.17%	15.28%	14.71%	17.47%	11.52%	6.32%
QULL ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Quality Factor TR ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDCX and QULL in my portfolio?

BDCX and QULL have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BDCX or QULL?

BDCX has higher volatility (6.41%) compared to QULL (4.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BDCX dropped -34.96% vs QULL's -51.83%.

Which ETF is better, BDCX or QULL?

On 5-year performance, QULL leads with 16.69% vs 2.33% for BDCX. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, QULL has been the lower-risk option at 4.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BDCX or QULL?

Over the 5-year period, QULL has performed better with a 16.69% return vs 2.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDCX or QULL?

BDCX and QULL have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BDCX or QULL?

BDCX has the higher dividend yield at 19.59%, compared with 0.00% for QULL.

What is the main difference between BDCX and QULL?

BDCX tracks MVIS US Business Development Companies (150%), while QULL tracks MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QULL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs -0.52), 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.