FTQI vs. QYLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) and QYLD (Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds - FTQI tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index while QYLD tracks the CBOE NASDAQ-100 Buy Write V2. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTQI returned 8.16%/yr vs 9.99%/yr for QYLD. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTQI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QYLD.

Performance

FTQI vs. QYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD). 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 QYLD's 7.89% return. Over the past 10 years, FTQI has underperformed QYLD with an annualized return of 8.16%, while QYLD has yielded a comparatively higher 9.99% annualized return.

FTQI

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 9.88%
• 1Y: 27.20%
• 3Y*: 16.88%
• 5Y*: 11.03%
• 10Y*: 8.16%

QYLD

• 1D: -1.97%
• 1M: 1.41%
• YTD: 7.89%
• 6M: 7.59%
• 1Y: 22.55%
• 3Y*: 13.99%
• 5Y*: 8.26%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

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

FTQI vs. QYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.72%	12.68%	18.30%	23.63%	-8.77%	10.46%	-6.54%	13.98%	-9.78%	12.47%
QYLD Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF	7.89%	9.28%	19.35%	22.77%	-19.08%	10.41%	8.72%	22.69%	-3.07%	18.79%

Correlation

The correlation between FTQI and QYLD is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 7, 2014	0.56

Over the past year, FTQI and QYLD have become more correlated (0.85) than their long-term average of 0.56, meaning their price movements have been converging.

FTQI vs. QYLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTQI	QYLD
Technology	49.4%	58.7%
Communication Services	11.8%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	6.4%
Healthcare	6.0%	3.7%
Financial Services	5.5%	0.2%
Industrials	4.1%	2.6%
Energy	2.3%	0.5%
Utilities	1.5%	1.2%
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.0%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.1%

Return for Risk

FTQI vs. QYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 86
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 91

QYLD

QYLD Risk / Return Rank: 84
QYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
QYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
QYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. QYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) and Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD). 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	QYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	2.34	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.52	3.28	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.52	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.38	4.56	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.88	25.38	-4.50

FTQI vs. QYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTQI Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is comparable to the QYLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTQI and QYLD, 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. QYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTQI drawdown since its inception was -19.42%, smaller than the maximum QYLD drawdown of -24.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTQI and QYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTQI	QYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.42%	-24.75%	+5.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-4.97%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.42%	-19.06%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.42%	-24.61%	+5.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.42%	-24.75%	+5.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-2.10%	+1.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-3.82%	+0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	0.89%	+0.42%

Volatility

FTQI vs. QYLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) is 3.26%, while Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD) has a volatility of 4.78%. This indicates that FTQI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTQI	QYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.26%	4.78%	-1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.58%	8.50%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.67%	9.70%	+0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.83%	14.84%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.33%	15.56%	-2.23%

FTQI vs. QYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTQI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QYLD's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTQI vs. QYLD - Dividend Comparison

FTQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.97%, less than QYLD's 11.68% 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%
QYLD Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF	11.68%	11.55%	12.50%	11.78%	13.75%	12.85%	11.16%	9.84%	12.44%	7.69%	9.15%	9.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTQI and QYLD in my portfolio?

FTQI and QYLD have a correlation of 0.85, 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 QYLD?

QYLD has higher volatility (4.78%) compared to FTQI (3.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTQI dropped -19.42% vs QYLD's -24.75%.

Which ETF is better, FTQI or QYLD?

On 10-year performance, QYLD leads with 9.99% vs 8.16% for FTQI. On fees, QYLD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTQI has been the lower-risk option at 3.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTQI or QYLD?

Over the 10-year period, QYLD has performed better with a 9.99% return vs 8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTQI or QYLD?

QYLD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

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

QYLD has the higher dividend yield at 11.68%, compared with 10.97% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between FTQI and QYLD?

FTQI tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while QYLD tracks CBOE NASDAQ-100 Buy Write V2. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for FTQI and 0.60% for QYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 2.34), 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.