QCAP vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QCAP (FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QCAP is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by FT Vest, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QCAP returned 9.34% vs 28.33% for FAAR. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QCAP charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

QCAP vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April (QCAP) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCAP achieves a 3.99% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.

QCAP

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 3.99%
• 6M: 4.11%
• 1Y: 9.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: -5.21%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 6M: 18.06%
• 1Y: 28.33%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 4.69%

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

QCAP vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QCAP FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April	3.99%	7.13%	10.87%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	19.14%	8.07%	-0.81%

Correlation

The correlation between QCAP and FAAR is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2024	0.02

Return for Risk

QCAP vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCAP

QCAP Risk / Return Rank: 91
QCAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
QCAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
QCAP Omega Ratio Rank: 94
QCAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
QCAP Martin Ratio Rank: 96

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 75
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

QCAP vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April (QCAP) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	QCAP	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	2.15	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	3.09	+0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.64	1.37	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.46	4.52	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	32.54	15.18	+17.36

QCAP vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCAP Sharpe Ratio is 2.60, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCAP and FAAR, 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

QCAP vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCAP drawdown since its inception was -9.17%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCAP and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCAP	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.17%	-18.03%	+8.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.10%	-6.29%	+4.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.26%	-6.29%	+5.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.53%	-7.82%	+7.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.29%	1.87%	-1.58%

Volatility

QCAP vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April (QCAP) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) have volatilities of 2.66% and 2.55%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCAP	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	2.55%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.19%	9.68%	-6.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.63%	13.38%	-9.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.79%	12.96%	-4.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.79%	11.54%	-2.75%

QCAP vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCAP has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCAP vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

QCAP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FAAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.66%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.66%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
QCAP FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April	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 QCAP and FAAR in my portfolio?

QCAP and FAAR have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QCAP or FAAR?

QCAP has higher volatility (2.66%) compared to FAAR (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCAP dropped -9.17% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, QCAP or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 28.33% vs 9.34% for QCAP. On fees, QCAP is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCAP or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 28.33% return vs 9.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCAP or FAAR?

QCAP is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QCAP or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 0.00% for QCAP.

What is the main difference between QCAP and FAAR?

QCAP is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for QCAP and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 2.15), 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.