PNQI vs. GSEP

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PNQI (Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF) and GSEP (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September) are both exchange-traded funds - PNQI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Internet Index, while GSEP is a Options Trading fund actively managed by FT Vest. PNQI is passively managed, while GSEP is actively managed. Over the past year, PNQI returned -13.81% vs 11.89% for GSEP. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PNQI charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for GSEP.

Performance

PNQI vs. GSEP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF (PNQI) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September (GSEP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PNQI achieves a -18.59% return, which is significantly lower than GSEP's 4.85% return.

PNQI

• 1D: -2.67%
• 1M: -8.54%
• YTD: -18.59%
• 6M: -19.34%
• 1Y: -13.81%
• 3Y*: 12.87%
• 5Y*: -3.03%
• 10Y*: 11.73%

GSEP

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 4.85%
• 6M: 4.31%
• 1Y: 11.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PNQI vs. GSEP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PNQI Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF	-18.59%	15.56%	29.44%	12.51%
GSEP FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September	4.85%	10.56%	10.85%	4.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PNQI and GSEP is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 18, 2023	0.76

The correlation between PNQI and GSEP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PNQI vs. GSEP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PNQI

PNQI Risk / Return Rank: 4
PNQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
PNQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
PNQI Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PNQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
PNQI Martin Ratio Rank: 4

GSEP

GSEP Risk / Return Rank: 72
GSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
GSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
GSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 77
GSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
GSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

PNQI vs. GSEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF (PNQI) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September (GSEP). 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.

	PNQI	GSEP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.74	2.00	-2.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.91	2.85	-3.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	1.40	-0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.56	2.69	-3.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.20	13.51	-14.71

PNQI vs. GSEP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PNQI Sharpe Ratio is -0.74, which is lower than the GSEP Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PNQI and GSEP, 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

PNQI vs. GSEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PNQI drawdown since its inception was -59.70%, which is greater than GSEP's maximum drawdown of -10.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PNQI and GSEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PNQI	GSEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.70%	-10.09%	-49.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.85%	-4.44%	-20.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.85%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.06%	-0.68%	-22.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.98%	-0.73%	-12.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.55%	0.88%	+10.67%

Volatility

PNQI vs. GSEP - Volatility Comparison

Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF (PNQI) has a higher volatility of 7.49% compared to FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September (GSEP) at 1.61%. This indicates that PNQI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GSEP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PNQI	GSEP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.49%	1.61%	+5.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.12%	4.82%	+10.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.83%	5.98%	+12.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.93%	7.57%	+19.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.32%	7.57%	+17.75%

PNQI vs. GSEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PNQI has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is lower than GSEP's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

PNQI vs. GSEP - Dividend Comparison

Neither PNQI nor GSEP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSEP FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PNQI Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF	0.00%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PNQI and GSEP in my portfolio?

PNQI and GSEP have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PNQI or GSEP?

PNQI has higher volatility (7.49%) compared to GSEP (1.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PNQI dropped -59.70% vs GSEP's -10.09%.

Which ETF is better, PNQI or GSEP?

On 1-year performance, GSEP leads with 11.89% vs -13.81% for PNQI. On fees, PNQI is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, GSEP has been the lower-risk option at 1.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PNQI or GSEP?

Over the 1-year period, GSEP has performed better with a 11.89% return vs -13.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PNQI or GSEP?

PNQI is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for GSEP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PNQI or GSEP?

PNQI and GSEP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PNQI and GSEP?

PNQI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while GSEP is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for PNQI and 0.85% for GSEP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSEP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs -0.74), 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.