BUFQ vs. QNDX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BUFQ (FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF) and QNDX (SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds - BUFQ tracks the NASDAQ 100 Index - USD while QNDX tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BUFQ charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for QNDX.

Performance

BUFQ vs. QNDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) and SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BUFQ

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -0.69%
• 6M: 7.82%
• YTD: 8.43%
• 1Y: 16.31%
• 3Y*: 15.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QNDX

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BUFQ vs. QNDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	0.44%
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	-1.16%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFQ and QNDX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2026	0.99

Return for Risk

BUFQ vs. QNDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFQ

BUFQ Risk / Return Rank: 78
BUFQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
BUFQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
BUFQ Omega Ratio Rank: 78
BUFQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFQ Martin Ratio Rank: 88

QNDX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

BUFQ vs. QNDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) and SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX). 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.

	BUFQ	QNDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.76	—	—

Drawdowns

BUFQ vs. QNDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFQ drawdown since its inception was -15.74%, which is greater than QNDX's maximum drawdown of -4.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFQ and QNDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFQ	QNDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.74%	-4.09%	-11.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-4.09%	+3.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.27%	-1.91%	-0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.11%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFQ	QNDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.05%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.02%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.69%	22.37%	-13.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.27%	22.37%	-9.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.27%	22.37%	-9.10%

BUFQ vs. QNDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFQ has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than QNDX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFQ vs. QNDX - Dividend Comparison

Neither BUFQ nor QNDX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFQ and QNDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, BUFQ and QNDX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, BUFQ or QNDX?

On fees, QNDX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFQ or QNDX?

QNDX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BUFQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFQ or QNDX?

BUFQ and QNDX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BUFQ and QNDX?

BUFQ tracks NASDAQ 100 Index - USD, while QNDX tracks Nasdaq-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and State Street. Their fees differ too: 1.10% for BUFQ and 0.10% for QNDX.