FTHI vs. LQTI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTHI (First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF) and LQTI (FT Vest Investment Grade & Target Income ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FTHI returned 16.43% vs 5.69% for LQTI. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTHI charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for LQTI.

Performance

FTHI vs. LQTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF (FTHI) and FT Vest Investment Grade & Target Income ETF (LQTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTHI achieves a 4.79% return, which is significantly higher than LQTI's 0.16% return.

FTHI

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 4.79%
• 6M: 5.22%
• 1Y: 16.43%
• 3Y*: 14.50%
• 5Y*: 10.17%
• 10Y*: 8.54%

LQTI

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 0.16%
• 6M: -0.04%
• 1Y: 5.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTHI vs. LQTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTHI First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF	4.79%	8.04%
LQTI FT Vest Investment Grade & Target Income ETF	0.16%	6.69%

Correlation

The correlation between FTHI and LQTI is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 14, 2025	0.27

Return for Risk

FTHI vs. LQTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTHI

FTHI Risk / Return Rank: 59
FTHI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FTHI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
FTHI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FTHI Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FTHI Martin Ratio Rank: 70

LQTI

LQTI Risk / Return Rank: 32
LQTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
LQTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
LQTI Omega Ratio Rank: 29
LQTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
LQTI Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

FTHI vs. LQTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF (FTHI) and FT Vest Investment Grade & Target Income ETF (LQTI). 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.

	FTHI	LQTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.12	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	1.64	+1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.19	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	1.68	+1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.19	5.15	+8.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTHI vs. LQTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTHI Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the LQTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTHI and LQTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTHI	LQTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	1.12	+0.75
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.88	-0.35

Drawdowns

FTHI vs. LQTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTHI drawdown since its inception was -32.65%, which is greater than LQTI's maximum drawdown of -3.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTHI and LQTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTHI	LQTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.65%	-3.41%	-29.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.47%	-3.41%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.92%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.70%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-1.44%	+1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.68%	-0.88%	-2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.25%	1.11%	+0.14%

Volatility

FTHI vs. LQTI - Volatility Comparison

First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF (FTHI) and FT Vest Investment Grade & Target Income ETF (LQTI) have volatilities of 1.67% and 1.65%, 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

	FTHI	LQTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.67%	1.65%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.05%	4.02%	+3.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.81%	5.10%	+3.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.44%	5.97%	+7.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.33%	5.97%	+8.36%

FTHI vs. LQTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTHI has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than LQTI's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTHI vs. LQTI - Dividend Comparison

FTHI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.73%, less than LQTI's 9.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTHI First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF	8.73%	8.70%	8.61%	8.50%	9.06%	4.37%	4.76%	4.21%	4.76%	4.00%	4.41%	4.98%
LQTI FT Vest Investment Grade & Target Income ETF	9.11%	7.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTHI and LQTI in my portfolio?

FTHI and LQTI have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTHI or LQTI?

FTHI has higher volatility (1.67%) compared to LQTI (1.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTHI dropped -32.65% vs LQTI's -3.41%.

Which ETF is better, FTHI or LQTI?

On 1-year performance, FTHI leads with 16.43% vs 5.69% for LQTI. On fees, LQTI is cheaper at 0.65% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTHI or LQTI?

Over the 1-year period, FTHI has performed better with a 16.43% return vs 5.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTHI or LQTI?

LQTI is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FTHI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTHI or LQTI?

LQTI has the higher dividend yield at 9.11%, compared with 8.73% for FTHI.

What is the main difference between FTHI and LQTI?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FTHI and 0.65% for LQTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTHI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.12), 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.