NXTI vs. QMAR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NXTI (Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - NXTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the NEXT Intangible Core Index, while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. NXTI is passively managed, while QMAR is actively managed. Over the past year, NXTI returned 16.80% vs 23.15% for QMAR. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NXTI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QMAR.

Performance

NXTI vs. QMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) 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, NXTI achieves a 8.08% return, which is significantly lower than QMAR's 13.03% return.

NXTI

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 10.44%
• YTD: 8.08%
• 6M: 7.11%
• 1Y: 16.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QMAR

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 2.51%
• YTD: 13.03%
• 6M: 13.97%
• 1Y: 23.15%
• 3Y*: 16.71%
• 5Y*: 12.12%
• 10Y*: —

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

NXTI vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF	8.08%	16.73%	16.21%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	13.03%	10.89%	14.15%

Correlation

The correlation between NXTI and QMAR is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 17, 2024	0.76

The correlation between NXTI and QMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

NXTI vs. QMAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NXTI	QMAR
Technology	43.3%	54.2%
Financial Services	11.2%	0.2%
Healthcare	9.7%	4.2%
Industrials	9.5%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	8.2%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.0%	12.2%
Communication Services	4.7%	15.5%
Energy	3.6%	0.6%
Utilities	2.0%	1.4%
Real Estate	1.5%	0.1%
Basic Materials	0.9%	1.2%

Return for Risk

NXTI vs. QMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

NXTI

NXTI Risk / Return Rank: 29
NXTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
NXTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
NXTI Omega Ratio Rank: 30
NXTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
NXTI Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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: 98

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.

NXTI vs. QMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) 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.

	NXTI	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	3.82	-2.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	6.00	-4.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.92	-0.73
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	7.24	-5.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.50	52.23	-48.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NXTI vs. QMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NXTI Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the QMAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NXTI and QMAR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NXTI	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.15	3.82	-2.68
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.15	0.91	+0.25

Drawdowns

NXTI vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXTI drawdown since its inception was -19.65%, roughly equal to the maximum QMAR drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTI and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXTI	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.65%	-19.83%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-3.21%	-9.78%
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	-0.91%	-0.21%	-0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.23%	-3.28%	+0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.82%	0.45%	+4.37%

Volatility

NXTI vs. QMAR - Volatility Comparison

Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) has a higher volatility of 3.97% compared to FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) at 1.27%. This indicates that NXTI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NXTI	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	1.27%	+2.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.66%	4.85%	+6.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.72%	6.08%	+8.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.14%	13.96%	+3.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.14%	13.85%	+3.29%

NXTI vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXTI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than QMAR's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

NXTI vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

NXTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, while QMAR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF	0.58%	0.62%	3.70%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXTI and QMAR in my portfolio?

NXTI and QMAR have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NXTI or QMAR?

NXTI has higher volatility (3.97%) compared to QMAR (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTI dropped -19.65% vs QMAR's -19.83%.

Which ETF is better, NXTI or QMAR?

On 1-year performance, QMAR leads with 23.15% vs 16.80% for NXTI. On fees, NXTI is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, QMAR has been the lower-risk option at 1.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NXTI or QMAR?

Over the 1-year period, QMAR has performed better with a 23.15% return vs 16.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXTI or QMAR?

NXTI is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QMAR.

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

NXTI has the higher dividend yield at 0.58%, compared with 0.00% for QMAR.

What is the main difference between NXTI and QMAR?

NXTI is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NXTI and 0.90% for QMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.82 vs 1.15), 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.