DUBS vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DUBS (Aptus Large Cap Enhanced Yield ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DUBS is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Aptus, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. DUBS is actively managed, while FTQI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DUBS returned 20.03%/yr vs 16.62%/yr for FTQI. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DUBS charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

DUBS vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Large Cap Enhanced Yield ETF (DUBS) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DUBS having a 12.20% return and FTQI slightly higher at 12.76%.

DUBS

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 0.36%
• 6M: 10.95%
• YTD: 12.20%
• 1Y: 25.29%
• 3Y*: 20.03%
• 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)

DUBS vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DUBS Aptus Large Cap Enhanced Yield ETF	12.20%	19.28%	24.08%	7.89%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.76%	12.68%	18.30%	7.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DUBS and FTQI is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2023	0.90

The correlation between DUBS and FTQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

DUBS vs. FTQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DUBS	FTQI
Technology	38.8%	49.4%
Financial Services	11.0%	5.5%
Communication Services	10.8%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	10.5%
Healthcare	8.3%	6.0%
Industrials	7.9%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	6.2%
Energy	3.2%	2.3%
Utilities	2.1%	1.5%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.3%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.4%

Return for Risk

DUBS vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

DUBS

DUBS Risk / Return Rank: 75
DUBS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DUBS Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
DUBS Omega Ratio Rank: 74
DUBS Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DUBS Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

DUBS vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Large Cap Enhanced Yield ETF (DUBS) 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.

	DUBS	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.43	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.37	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.45	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	4.24	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.43	20.07	-6.65

DUBS vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DUBS Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DUBS 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

DUBS vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUBS drawdown since its inception was -18.48%, roughly equal to the maximum FTQI drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUBS and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUBS	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.48%	-19.42%	+0.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.29%	-6.24%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.48%	-19.42%	+0.94%
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	-0.89%	-0.85%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-3.73%	+1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	1.32%	+0.57%

Volatility

DUBS vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

Aptus Large Cap Enhanced Yield ETF (DUBS) has a higher volatility of 3.52% compared to First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) at 2.92%. This indicates that DUBS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DUBS	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	2.92%	+0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.77%	8.83%	+1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.53%	10.87%	+2.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.63%	14.82%	-0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.63%	12.98%	+1.65%

DUBS vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

DUBS has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

DUBS vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

DUBS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, less than FTQI's 10.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DUBS Aptus Large Cap Enhanced Yield ETF	1.99%	2.06%	2.52%	1.14%	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 DUBS and FTQI in my portfolio?

DUBS and FTQI have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DUBS or FTQI?

DUBS has higher volatility (3.52%) compared to FTQI (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DUBS dropped -18.48% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, DUBS or FTQI?

On 3-year performance, DUBS leads with 20.03% vs 16.62% for FTQI. On fees, DUBS is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FTQI has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DUBS or FTQI?

Over the 3-year period, DUBS has performed better with a 20.03% return vs 16.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DUBS or FTQI?

DUBS is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

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

FTQI has the higher dividend yield at 10.92%, compared with 1.99% for DUBS.

What is the main difference between DUBS and FTQI?

DUBS is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Aptus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DUBS and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.88), 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.