DFEB vs. QB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DFEB (FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February) and QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. DFEB is actively managed, while QB is passively managed. Over the past year, DFEB returned 12.96% vs 18.61% for QB. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFEB charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for QB.

Performance

DFEB vs. QB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEB achieves a 6.28% return, which is significantly lower than QB's 12.42% return.

DFEB

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.54%
• 6M: 5.63%
• YTD: 6.28%
• 1Y: 12.96%
• 3Y*: 12.45%
• 5Y*: 8.18%
• 10Y*: —

QB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.44%
• 6M: 11.41%
• YTD: 12.42%
• 1Y: 18.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEB vs. QB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February	6.28%	7.95%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	12.42%	6.10%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEB and QB is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.74

The correlation between DFEB and QB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFEB vs. QB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFEB	QB
Technology	39.0%	49.9%
Financial Services	11.1%	0.2%
Communication Services	10.6%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	12.5%
Healthcare	8.3%	5.3%
Industrials	7.8%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	8.6%
Energy	3.1%	0.6%
Utilities	2.1%	1.6%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.3%

Return for Risk

DFEB vs. QB — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEB

DFEB Risk / Return Rank: 88
DFEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
DFEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DFEB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
DFEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFEB Martin Ratio Rank: 90

QB

QB Risk / Return Rank: 94
QB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QB Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
QB Omega Ratio Rank: 95
QB Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

DFEB vs. QB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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.

	DFEB	QB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	2.66	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.57	3.87	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.63	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	5.38	-2.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.24	25.93	-9.69

DFEB vs. QB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEB Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is comparable to the QB Sharpe Ratio of 2.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEB and QB, 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

DFEB vs. QB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEB drawdown since its inception was -14.61%, which is greater than QB's maximum drawdown of -3.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEB and QB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEB	QB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.61%	-3.47%	-11.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.09%	-3.47%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.33%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.22%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.04%	-0.42%	-1.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.80%	0.72%	+0.08%

Volatility

DFEB vs. QB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) is 1.23%, while ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB) has a volatility of 2.71%. This indicates that DFEB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEB	QB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.23%	2.71%	-1.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.28%	5.83%	-1.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.38%	7.03%	-1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.33%	6.91%	+0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.90%	6.91%	+1.99%

DFEB vs. QB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEB has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than QB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEB vs. QB - Dividend Comparison

DFEB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%.

Position	TTM	2025
DFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February	0.00%	0.00%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.77%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEB and QB in my portfolio?

DFEB and QB have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFEB or QB?

QB has higher volatility (2.71%) compared to DFEB (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEB dropped -14.61% vs QB's -3.47%.

Which ETF is better, DFEB or QB?

On 1-year performance, QB leads with 18.61% vs 12.96% for DFEB. On fees, QB is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, DFEB has been the lower-risk option at 1.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEB or QB?

Over the 1-year period, QB has performed better with a 18.61% return vs 12.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEB or QB?

QB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DFEB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFEB or QB?

QB has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.00% for DFEB.

What is the main difference between DFEB and QB?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DFEB and 0.58% for QB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 2.42), 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.