MSST vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

MSST (YieldMax MSTR Performance & Distribution Target 25 ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSST is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. MSST is actively managed, while FTQI is passively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSST charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

MSST vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in YieldMax MSTR Performance & Distribution Target 25 ETF (MSST) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSST achieves a -33.85% return, which is significantly lower than FTQI's 11.74% return.

MSST

• 1D: 6.17%
• 1M: -25.86%
• 6M: -33.85%
• YTD: -33.85%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTQI

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 0.96%
• 6M: 11.74%
• YTD: 11.74%
• 1Y: 26.09%
• 3Y*: 16.45%
• 5Y*: 11.27%
• 10Y*: 8.30%

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

MSST vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MSST YieldMax MSTR Performance & Distribution Target 25 ETF	-33.85%	-24.58%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	11.74%	3.00%

Correlation

The correlation between MSST and FTQI 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 Nov 18, 2025	0.49

Return for Risk

MSST vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSST

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

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 89
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

MSST vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax MSTR Performance & Distribution Target 25 ETF (MSST) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). 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.

	MSST	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.44	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.38	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.46	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.20	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	19.92	—

Drawdowns

MSST vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSST drawdown since its inception was -58.68%, which is greater than FTQI's maximum drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSST and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSST	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.68%	-19.42%	-39.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.24%	—
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	-50.11%	-0.63%	-49.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.55%	-3.74%	-21.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.31%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MSST	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.55%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.66%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	75.61%	10.73%	+64.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	75.61%	14.83%	+60.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	75.61%	13.28%	+62.33%

MSST vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSST has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSST vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

MSST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 24.05%, more than FTQI's 11.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	11.02%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%
MSST YieldMax MSTR Performance & Distribution Target 25 ETF	24.05%	2.71%	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 MSST and FTQI in my portfolio?

MSST and FTQI 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, MSST or FTQI?

On fees, FTQI 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, MSST or FTQI?

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

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

MSST has the higher dividend yield at 24.05%, compared with 11.02% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between MSST and FTQI?

MSST is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for MSST and 0.75% for FTQI.