IQQ vs. QBUF

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

IQQ (iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF) and QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) are both Nasdaq-100 funds - IQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index while QBUF tracks the Invesco QQQ Trust. Both are passively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IQQ charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QBUF.

Performance

IQQ vs. QBUF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (IQQ) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

IQQ

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

QBUF

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: -0.77%
• 6M: 4.36%
• YTD: 4.00%
• 1Y: 9.22%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.32%

*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)
IQQ iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF	$42.46M	$42.46M	$42.46M

IQQ vs. QBUF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
IQQ iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF	-1.68%
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	0.19%

Correlation

The correlation between IQQ and QBUF is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2026	0.95

Return for Risk

IQQ vs. QBUF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQQ

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

QBUF

QBUF Risk / Return Rank: 76
QBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
QBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
QBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

IQQ vs. QBUF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (IQQ) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF). 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.

	IQQ	QBUF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.63	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.28	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.33	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.01	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	12.88	—

Drawdowns

IQQ vs. QBUF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQQ drawdown since its inception was -4.15%, smaller than the maximum QBUF drawdown of -8.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQQ and QBUF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQQ	QBUF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-8.84%	+4.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.28%	-0.93%	-1.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.89%	-0.80%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.72%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IQQ	QBUF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.13%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.24%	5.69%	+14.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.24%	8.36%	+11.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.24%	8.36%	+11.88%

IQQ vs. QBUF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQQ has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than QBUF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQQ vs. QBUF - Dividend Comparison

Neither IQQ nor QBUF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQQ and QBUF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, IQQ and QBUF move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, IQQ or QBUF?

On fees, IQQ is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQQ or QBUF?

IQQ is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for QBUF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQQ or QBUF?

IQQ and QBUF have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between IQQ and QBUF?

IQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while QBUF tracks Invesco QQQ Trust. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for IQQ and 0.79% for QBUF.