QB vs. QMAR

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - QB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Nasdaq-100, while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. QB is passively managed, while QMAR is actively managed. Over the past year, QB returned 18.35% vs 19.74% for QMAR. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QB charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QMAR.

Performance

QB vs. QMAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with QB having a 12.30% return and QMAR slightly higher at 12.87%.

QB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 4.87%
• 6M: 11.02%
• YTD: 12.30%
• 1Y: 18.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QMAR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.10%
• 6M: 12.30%
• YTD: 12.87%
• 1Y: 19.74%
• 3Y*: 15.79%
• 5Y*: 11.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

QB vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	12.30%	6.10%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	12.87%	7.29%

Correlation

The correlation between QB and QMAR is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.75

The correlation between QB and QMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

QB vs. QMAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QB	QMAR
Technology	49.9%	58.7%
Communication Services	16.4%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	8.6%	6.4%
Healthcare	5.3%	3.7%
Industrials	3.7%	2.6%
Utilities	1.6%	1.2%
Basic Materials	1.3%	1.0%
Energy	0.6%	0.5%
Financial Services	0.2%	0.2%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

QB vs. QMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

QB

QB Risk / Return Rank: 94
QB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QB Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
QB Omega Ratio Rank: 96
QB Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
QB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

QMAR

QMAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
QMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
QMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
QMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 96
QMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
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.

QB vs. QMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB) 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.

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.

	QB	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	2.99	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.83	4.49	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.68	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.30	6.17	-0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.59	34.68	-9.09

QB vs. QMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QB Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is comparable to the QMAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QB 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.

Drawdowns

QB vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QB drawdown since its inception was -3.47%, smaller than the maximum QMAR drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QB and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	QB	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.47%	-19.83%	+16.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.47%	-3.21%	-0.26%
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	-0.17%	-0.35%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.42%	-3.24%	+2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.72%	0.57%	+0.15%

Volatility

QB vs. QMAR - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB) has a higher volatility of 3.07% compared to FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) at 2.79%. This indicates that QB'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

	QB	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.07%	2.79%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.83%	5.77%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.02%	6.62%	+0.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.94%	14.02%	-7.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.94%	13.79%	-6.85%

QB vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

QB has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than QMAR's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

QB vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

QB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, while QMAR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.78%	0.48%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QB and QMAR in my portfolio?

QB and QMAR have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QB or QMAR?

QB has higher volatility (3.07%) compared to QMAR (2.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QB dropped -3.47% vs QMAR's -19.83%.

Which ETF is better, QB or QMAR?

On 1-year performance, QMAR leads with 19.74% vs 18.35% for QB. On fees, QB is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, QMAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QB or QMAR?

Over the 1-year period, QMAR has performed better with a 19.74% return vs 18.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QB or QMAR?

QB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QMAR.

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

QB has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.00% for QMAR.

What is the main difference between QB and QMAR?

QB is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for QB and 0.90% for QMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 2.63), 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.