KAT vs. QMAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KAT (Scharf ETF) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - KAT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Scharf Investments, while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KAT charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QMAR.

Performance

KAT vs. QMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Scharf ETF (KAT) and FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KAT achieves a 0.37% return, which is significantly lower than QMAR's 13.06% return.

KAT

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.37%
• 6M: 2.21%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QMAR

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 2.81%
• YTD: 13.06%
• 6M: 14.01%
• 1Y: 23.38%
• 3Y*: 16.73%
• 5Y*: 12.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

KAT vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KAT Scharf ETF	0.37%	0.98%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	13.06%	4.23%

Correlation

The correlation between KAT and QMAR is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2025	0.49

KAT vs. QMAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KAT	QMAR
Financial Services	26.2%	0.2%
Healthcare	22.9%	4.2%
Industrials	14.4%	2.8%
Technology	12.5%	54.2%
Communication Services	6.3%	15.5%
Energy	6.2%	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.1%	12.2%
Basic Materials	4.2%	1.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	7.6%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

KAT vs. QMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

QMAR

QMAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
QMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
QMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
QMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 97
QMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

KAT vs. QMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Scharf ETF (KAT) and FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KAT	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.91	-0.74

Drawdowns

KAT vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KAT drawdown since its inception was -9.25%, smaller than the maximum QMAR drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KAT and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	KAT	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.25%	-19.83%	+10.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.98%	-0.19%	-4.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.20%	-3.28%	+0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.45%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KAT	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.27%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.85%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.48%	6.09%	+4.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.48%	13.97%	-3.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.48%	13.85%	-3.37%

KAT vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

KAT has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than QMAR's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

KAT vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither KAT nor QMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KAT and QMAR in my portfolio?

KAT and QMAR have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KAT or QMAR?

On fees, KAT is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, KAT or QMAR?

KAT is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QMAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KAT or QMAR?

KAT and QMAR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between KAT and QMAR?

KAT is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Scharf Investments and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for KAT and 0.90% for QMAR.