FTQI vs. KQQQ

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) and KQQQ (Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while KQQQ is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Kurv. FTQI is passively managed, while KQQQ is actively managed. Over the past year, FTQI returned 25.27% vs 25.29% for KQQQ. Their correlation of 0.86 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FTQI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for KQQQ.

Performance

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF (KQQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTQI achieves a 14.01% return, which is significantly lower than KQQQ's 14.87% return.

FTQI

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.97%
• 6M: 14.35%
• YTD: 14.01%
• 1Y: 25.27%
• 3Y*: 17.45%
• 5Y*: 12.21%
• 10Y*: 8.38%
• ALL TIME*: 7.14%

KQQQ

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -0.91%
• 6M: 19.47%
• YTD: 14.87%
• 1Y: 25.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.81%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	$11.50M	$8.69M	$6.02M
KQQQ Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF	$1.40M	$1.23M	$1.53M

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	14.01%	12.68%	7.38%
KQQQ Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF	14.87%	16.64%	11.50%

Correlation

The correlation between FTQI and KQQQ is 0.87, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2024	0.86

The correlation between FTQI and KQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTQI	KQQQ
Technology	47.4%	52.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	16.9%
Communication Services	8.5%	27.5%
Healthcare	7.6%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.4%	-
Industrials	6.3%	2.8%
Financial Services	5.2%	1.3%
Energy	2.2%	-
Utilities	1.5%	-
Real Estate	1.1%	-
Basic Materials	1.1%	-

Return for Risk

FTQI vs. KQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 88
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 93

KQQQ

KQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 40
KQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
KQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
KQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 41
KQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
KQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 38

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF (KQQQ). 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	KQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.26	+1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	1.81	+1.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.22	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.07	1.47	+2.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.34	4.42	+13.92

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTQI Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is higher than the KQQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTQI and KQQQ, 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. KQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTQI drawdown since its inception was -19.42%, smaller than the maximum KQQQ drawdown of -26.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTQI and KQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTQI	KQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.42%	-26.15%	+6.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-17.30%	+11.06%
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	-0.18%	-4.61%	+4.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.72%	-4.76%	+1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.38%	5.74%	-4.36%

Volatility

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) is 3.82%, while Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF (KQQQ) has a volatility of 6.77%. This indicates that FTQI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KQQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTQI	KQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.82%	6.77%	-2.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.19%	16.81%	-7.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.24%	20.22%	-8.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	23.61%	-8.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.94%	23.61%	-10.67%

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTQI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than KQQQ's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTQI vs. KQQQ - Dividend Comparison

FTQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.03%, less than KQQQ's 15.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	11.03%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%
KQQQ Kurv Technology Titans Select ETF	15.61%	12.01%	2.48%	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 FTQI and KQQQ in my portfolio?

FTQI and KQQQ have a correlation of 0.87, 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 KQQQ?

KQQQ has higher volatility (6.77%) compared to FTQI (3.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTQI dropped -19.42% vs KQQQ's -26.15%.

Which ETF is better, FTQI or KQQQ?

On 1-year performance, KQQQ leads with 25.29% vs 25.27% for FTQI. On fees, FTQI is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, FTQI has been the lower-risk option at 3.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTQI or KQQQ?

Over the 1-year period, KQQQ has performed better with a 25.29% return vs 25.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTQI or KQQQ?

FTQI is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for KQQQ.

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

KQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 15.61%, compared with 11.03% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between FTQI and KQQQ?

FTQI is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while KQQQ is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Kurv. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for FTQI and 0.99% for KQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.26), 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.