BUFQ vs. QQQE

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BUFQ (FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF) and QQQE (Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares) are both Nasdaq-100 funds - BUFQ tracks the NASDAQ 100 Index - USD while QQQE tracks the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUFQ returned 16.28%/yr vs 17.83%/yr for QQQE. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUFQ charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for QQQE.

Performance

BUFQ vs. QQQE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) and Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFQ achieves a 8.23% return, which is significantly lower than QQQE's 17.16% return.

BUFQ

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 8.23%
• 6M: 7.72%
• 1Y: 17.83%
• 3Y*: 16.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQE

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 17.16%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 24.45%
• 3Y*: 17.83%
• 5Y*: 9.20%
• 10Y*: 16.24%

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

BUFQ vs. QQQE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	8.23%	14.03%	16.41%	35.51%	0.73%
QQQE Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares	17.16%	14.58%	6.98%	33.76%	1.56%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFQ and QQQE is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2022	0.88

The correlation between BUFQ and QQQE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BUFQ vs. QQQE — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUFQ

BUFQ Risk / Return Rank: 80
BUFQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
BUFQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
BUFQ Omega Ratio Rank: 82
BUFQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BUFQ Martin Ratio Rank: 87

QQQE

QQQE Risk / Return Rank: 54
QQQE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
QQQE Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QQQE Omega Ratio Rank: 50
QQQE Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQE Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. QQQE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) and Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE). 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	QQQE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.58	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	2.16	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.28	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	2.61	+0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.43	8.73	+7.70

BUFQ vs. QQQE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the QQQE Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFQ and QQQE, 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

BUFQ vs. QQQE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFQ drawdown since its inception was -15.74%, smaller than the maximum QQQE drawdown of -32.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFQ and QQQE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFQ	QQQE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.74%	-32.14%	+16.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.39%	-9.41%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.74%	-21.38%	+5.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.14%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.27%	-2.48%	+1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-5.15%	+2.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	2.81%	-1.72%

Volatility

BUFQ vs. QQQE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) is 2.62%, while Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) has a volatility of 7.91%. This indicates that BUFQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFQ	QQQE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.62%	7.91%	-5.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.75%	12.70%	-5.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.40%	15.57%	-7.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.30%	20.54%	-7.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.30%	20.79%	-7.49%

BUFQ vs. QQQE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFQ has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQE's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFQ vs. QQQE - Dividend Comparison

BUFQ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QQQE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQE Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares	0.57%	0.52%	0.86%	0.79%	0.98%	3.83%	0.54%	0.74%	0.80%	0.65%	1.17%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFQ and QQQE in my portfolio?

BUFQ and QQQE have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFQ or QQQE?

QQQE has higher volatility (7.91%) compared to BUFQ (2.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFQ dropped -15.74% vs QQQE's -32.14%.

Which ETF is better, BUFQ or QQQE?

On 3-year performance, QQQE leads with 17.83% vs 16.28% for BUFQ. On fees, QQQE is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, BUFQ has been the lower-risk option at 2.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFQ or QQQE?

Over the 3-year period, QQQE has performed better with a 17.83% return vs 16.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFQ or QQQE?

QQQE is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BUFQ.

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

QQQE has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.00% for BUFQ.

What is the main difference between BUFQ and QQQE?

BUFQ tracks NASDAQ 100 Index - USD, while QQQE tracks NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.10% for BUFQ and 0.35% for QQQE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.58), 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.