DHSB vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DHSB (Day Hagan Smart Buffer ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DHSB is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Day Hagan, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. DHSB is actively managed, while FTQI is passively managed. Over the past year, DHSB returned 8.65% vs 26.34% for FTQI. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DHSB charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

DHSB vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Day Hagan Smart Buffer ETF (DHSB) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DHSB achieves a 4.79% return, which is significantly lower than FTQI's 12.76% return.

DHSB

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.34%
• 6M: 4.25%
• YTD: 4.79%
• 1Y: 8.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTQI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 1.28%
• 6M: 11.68%
• YTD: 12.76%
• 1Y: 26.34%
• 3Y*: 16.62%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 7.85%

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

DHSB vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DHSB Day Hagan Smart Buffer ETF	4.79%	4.73%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.76%	9.17%

Correlation

The correlation between DHSB and FTQI is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 14, 2025	0.74

The correlation between DHSB and FTQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DHSB vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DHSB

DHSB Risk / Return Rank: 63
DHSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DHSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DHSB Omega Ratio Rank: 64
DHSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
DHSB Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

DHSB vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Day Hagan Smart Buffer ETF (DHSB) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). 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.

	DHSB	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	2.43	-1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	3.37	-1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.45	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	4.24	-1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.87	20.07	-7.21

DHSB vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DHSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is lower than the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DHSB and FTQI, 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

DHSB vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DHSB drawdown since its inception was -7.65%, smaller than the maximum FTQI drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DHSB and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DHSB	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.65%	-19.42%	+11.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.32%	-6.24%	+2.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-0.85%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.85%	-3.73%	+2.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	1.32%	-0.65%

Volatility

DHSB vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Day Hagan Smart Buffer ETF (DHSB) is 1.75%, while First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that DHSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DHSB	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.75%	2.92%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.69%	8.83%	-3.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.23%	10.87%	-4.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.57%	14.82%	-6.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.57%	12.98%	-4.41%

DHSB vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DHSB has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

DHSB vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

DHSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, less than FTQI's 10.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DHSB Day Hagan Smart Buffer ETF	1.19%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.92%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DHSB and FTQI in my portfolio?

DHSB and FTQI have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DHSB or FTQI?

FTQI has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to DHSB (1.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DHSB dropped -7.65% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, DHSB or FTQI?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 26.34% vs 8.65% for DHSB. On fees, DHSB is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, DHSB has been the lower-risk option at 1.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DHSB or FTQI?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 26.34% return vs 8.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DHSB or FTQI?

DHSB is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DHSB or FTQI?

FTQI has the higher dividend yield at 10.92%, compared with 1.19% for DHSB.

What is the main difference between DHSB and FTQI?

DHSB is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Day Hagan and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for DHSB and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.39), 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.