CIBR vs. QQQ

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CIBR is a Cybersecurity fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CIBR returned 18.39%/yr vs 20.87%/yr for QQQ. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CIBR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

CIBR vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIBR achieves a 29.60% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 13.46% return. Over the past 10 years, CIBR has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 18.39%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 20.87% annualized return.

CIBR

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 9.75%
• 6M: 28.77%
• YTD: 29.60%
• 1Y: 25.40%
• 3Y*: 26.08%
• 5Y*: 14.90%
• 10Y*: 18.39%

QQQ

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -3.66%
• 6M: 12.19%
• YTD: 13.46%
• 1Y: 24.36%
• 3Y*: 22.41%
• 5Y*: 14.91%
• 10Y*: 20.87%

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

CIBR vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	29.60%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.46%	19.67%	50.53%	28.52%	1.47%	18.61%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	13.46%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between CIBR and QQQ is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2015	0.76

The correlation between CIBR and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CIBR vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CIBR	QQQ
Technology	95.4%	58.7%
Industrials	2.7%	2.6%
Communication Services	1.9%	14.3%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Healthcare	-	3.7%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

CIBR vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 31
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 32
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 26

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 47
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 43
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

CIBR vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	CIBR	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.99	1.31	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	1.81	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.23	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.16	2.05	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.69	7.20	-4.52

CIBR vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIBR Sharpe Ratio is 0.99, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIBR and QQQ, 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

CIBR vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIBR drawdown since its inception was -33.89%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIBR and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIBR	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.89%	-82.97%	+49.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.99%	-11.96%	-10.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-22.77%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.89%	-35.12%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.89%	-35.12%	+1.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.50%	-6.71%	+4.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.63%	-32.65%	+24.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.48%	3.39%	+6.09%

Volatility

CIBR vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 7.76% and 7.45%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIBR	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.76%	7.45%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.48%	15.55%	+6.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.77%	18.75%	+7.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.25%	22.81%	+2.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.62%	22.45%	+1.17%

CIBR vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIBR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIBR vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

CIBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, less than QQQ's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.42%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.44%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIBR and QQQ in my portfolio?

CIBR and QQQ have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIBR or QQQ?

CIBR has higher volatility (7.76%) compared to QQQ (7.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIBR dropped -33.89% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, CIBR or QQQ?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 20.87% vs 18.39% for CIBR. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 7.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CIBR or QQQ?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 20.87% return vs 18.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CIBR or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CIBR or QQQ?

QQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.44%, compared with 0.42% for CIBR.

What is the main difference between CIBR and QQQ?

CIBR is categorized as Cybersecurity, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CIBR and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 0.99), 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.