FTQI vs. KNG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) and KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while KNG is a Dividend fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTQI returned 10.94%/yr vs 5.44%/yr for KNG. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

FTQI vs. KNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTQI achieves a 10.72% return, which is significantly higher than KNG's 5.77% return.

FTQI

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 9.99%
• 1Y: 26.22%
• 3Y*: 16.88%
• 5Y*: 10.94%
• 10Y*: 8.16%

KNG

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 5.77%
• 6M: 4.93%
• 1Y: 11.07%
• 3Y*: 7.74%
• 5Y*: 5.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

FTQI vs. KNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.72%	12.68%	18.30%	23.63%	-8.77%	10.46%	-6.54%	13.98%	-5.73%
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	5.77%	6.63%	5.99%	7.48%	-7.03%	24.78%	7.21%	26.64%	-1.56%

Correlation

The correlation between FTQI and KNG is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2018	0.56

Over the past year, the correlation between FTQI and KNG has dropped to 0.28 - well below their long-term average of 0.56, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FTQI vs. KNG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTQI	KNG
Technology	49.4%	4.6%
Communication Services	11.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	5.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	23.6%
Healthcare	6.0%	10.2%
Financial Services	5.5%	12.8%
Industrials	4.1%	20.2%
Energy	2.3%	2.9%
Utilities	1.5%	5.7%
Basic Materials	1.4%	10.2%
Real Estate	1.3%	4.6%

Return for Risk

FTQI vs. KNG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 87
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 92

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 30
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 29
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

FTQI vs. KNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). 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.

	FTQI	KNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	1.07	+1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.41	1.63	+1.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.18	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	1.29	+2.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.11	3.25	+16.86

FTQI vs. KNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTQI Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is higher than the KNG Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTQI and KNG, 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

FTQI vs. KNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTQI drawdown since its inception was -19.42%, smaller than the maximum KNG drawdown of -35.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTQI and KNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTQI	KNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.42%	-35.12%	+15.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-8.61%	+2.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.42%	-14.24%	-5.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.42%	-18.20%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-2.61%	+1.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-4.12%	+0.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	3.42%	-2.11%

Volatility

FTQI vs. KNG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) has a higher volatility of 3.26% compared to FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) at 3.08%. This indicates that FTQI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTQI	KNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.26%	3.08%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.52%	7.64%	+0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.64%	10.39%	+0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.83%	13.58%	+1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.33%	17.15%	-3.82%

FTQI vs. KNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FTQI and KNG have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

FTQI vs. KNG - Dividend Comparison

FTQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.97%, more than KNG's 8.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.97%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.38%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTQI and KNG in my portfolio?

FTQI and KNG have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTQI or KNG?

FTQI has higher volatility (3.26%) compared to KNG (3.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTQI dropped -19.42% vs KNG's -35.12%.

Which ETF is better, FTQI or KNG?

On 5-year performance, FTQI leads with 10.94% vs 5.44% for KNG. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, KNG has been the lower-risk option at 3.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTQI or KNG?

Over the 5-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 10.94% return vs 5.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTQI or KNG?

FTQI and KNG have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

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

FTQI has the higher dividend yield at 10.97%, compared with 8.38% for KNG.

What is the main difference between FTQI and KNG?

FTQI is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while KNG is Dividend. FTQI tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while KNG tracks Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.07), 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.