FTIF vs. QUAL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FTIF (First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF) and QUAL (iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - FTIF tracks the Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity Index - Benchmark TR Gross while QUAL tracks the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FTIF returned 13.84%/yr vs 18.78%/yr for QUAL. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTIF charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QUAL.

Performance

FTIF vs. QUAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) and iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTIF achieves a 21.87% return, which is significantly higher than QUAL's 7.79% return.

FTIF

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: 21.87%
• 6M: 20.61%
• 1Y: 31.46%
• 3Y*: 13.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QUAL

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -1.00%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 6.52%
• 1Y: 20.01%
• 3Y*: 18.78%
• 5Y*: 11.34%
• 10Y*: 14.66%

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

FTIF vs. QUAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FTIF First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF	21.87%	7.79%	0.50%	12.31%
QUAL iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF	7.79%	12.65%	22.29%	28.28%

Correlation

The correlation between FTIF and QUAL is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 14, 2023	0.59

The correlation between FTIF and QUAL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTIF vs. QUAL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTIF	QUAL
Energy	38.0%	3.2%
Basic Materials	22.0%	1.9%
Industrials	18.0%	7.2%
Real Estate	14.0%	1.8%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	9.3%
Technology	2.0%	38.8%
Communication Services	-	11.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.4%
Financial Services	-	10.8%
Healthcare	-	8.7%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

FTIF vs. QUAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTIF

FTIF Risk / Return Rank: 78
FTIF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
FTIF Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FTIF Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FTIF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FTIF Martin Ratio Rank: 86

QUAL

QUAL Risk / Return Rank: 57
QUAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
QUAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
QUAL Omega Ratio Rank: 54
QUAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QUAL Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

FTIF vs. QUAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) and iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL). 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.

	FTIF	QUAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.67	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.37	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.30	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.79	2.23	+3.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.81	10.04	+5.77

FTIF vs. QUAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTIF Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the QUAL Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTIF and QUAL, 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

FTIF vs. QUAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTIF drawdown since its inception was -27.83%, smaller than the maximum QUAL drawdown of -34.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTIF and QUAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTIF	QUAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.83%	-34.06%	+6.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.46%	-9.03%	+3.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.83%	-18.00%	-9.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.61%	-2.71%	-0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.95%	-4.09%	-1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	2.00%	0.00%

Volatility

FTIF vs. QUAL - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) at 3.96%. This indicates that FTIF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QUAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTIF	QUAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	3.96%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.82%	9.61%	+1.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.46%	12.05%	+3.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.92%	17.38%	+1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.92%	18.09%	+0.83%

FTIF vs. QUAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTIF has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than QUAL's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTIF vs. QUAL - Dividend Comparison

FTIF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, more than QUAL's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTIF First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF	1.41%	1.45%	2.88%	1.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QUAL iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF	0.88%	0.94%	1.02%	1.23%	1.59%	1.20%	1.39%	1.60%	2.00%	1.76%	1.96%	1.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTIF and QUAL in my portfolio?

FTIF and QUAL have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTIF or QUAL?

FTIF has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to QUAL (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTIF dropped -27.83% vs QUAL's -34.06%.

Which ETF is better, FTIF or QUAL?

On 3-year performance, QUAL leads with 18.78% vs 13.84% for FTIF. On fees, QUAL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QUAL has been the lower-risk option at 3.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTIF or QUAL?

Over the 3-year period, QUAL has performed better with a 18.78% return vs 13.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTIF or QUAL?

QUAL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTIF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTIF or QUAL?

FTIF has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.88% for QUAL.

What is the main difference between FTIF and QUAL?

FTIF tracks Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while QUAL tracks MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTIF and 0.15% for QUAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTIF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.67), 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.