FTQI vs. QB

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) and QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while QB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Nasdaq-100. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FTQI returned 27.70% vs 18.83% for QB. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTQI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for QB.

Performance

FTQI vs. QB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTQI achieves a 13.57% return, which is significantly higher than QB's 12.55% return.

FTQI

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.97%
• 6M: 12.76%
• YTD: 13.57%
• 1Y: 27.70%
• 3Y*: 16.98%
• 5Y*: 12.43%
• 10Y*: 7.68%

QB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.30%
• 6M: 11.49%
• YTD: 12.55%
• 1Y: 18.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTQI vs. QB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	13.57%	13.88%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	12.55%	6.10%

Correlation

The correlation between FTQI and QB is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.74

The correlation between FTQI and QB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTQI vs. QB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTQI	QB
Technology	49.4%	49.9%
Communication Services	11.8%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	12.5%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	8.6%
Healthcare	6.0%	5.3%
Financial Services	5.5%	0.2%
Industrials	4.1%	3.7%
Energy	2.3%	0.6%
Utilities	1.5%	1.6%
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.3%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.1%

Return for Risk

FTQI vs. QB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 92
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 91
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

QB

QB Risk / Return Rank: 94
QB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QB Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
QB Omega Ratio Rank: 96
QB Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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. QB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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	QB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	2.69	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.54	3.91	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.64	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.46	5.44	-0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.13	26.25	-5.12

FTQI vs. QB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTQI Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is comparable to the QB Sharpe Ratio of 2.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTQI and QB, 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. QB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTQI drawdown since its inception was -19.42%, which is greater than QB's maximum drawdown of -3.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTQI and QB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTQI	QB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.42%	-3.47%	-15.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-3.47%	-2.77%
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	-0.13%	-0.11%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-0.42%	-3.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	0.72%	+0.59%

Volatility

FTQI vs. QB - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB) have volatilities of 2.86% and 2.87%, 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

	FTQI	QB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.86%	2.87%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.79%	5.83%	+2.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.84%	7.03%	+3.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.82%	6.92%	+7.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.98%	6.92%	+6.06%

FTQI vs. QB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTQI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTQI vs. QB - Dividend Comparison

FTQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.84%, more than QB's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.84%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.77%	0.48%	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 FTQI and QB in my portfolio?

FTQI and QB have a correlation of 0.74, 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 QB?

QB has higher volatility (2.87%) compared to FTQI (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTQI dropped -19.42% vs QB's -3.47%.

Which ETF is better, FTQI or QB?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 27.70% vs 18.83% for QB. On fees, QB is cheaper at 0.58% 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, FTQI or QB?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 27.70% return vs 18.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTQI or QB?

QB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

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

FTQI has the higher dividend yield at 10.84%, compared with 0.77% for QB.

What is the main difference between FTQI and QB?

FTQI is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while QB is Defined Outcome. FTQI tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while QB tracks Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for FTQI and 0.58% for QB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 2.57), 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.