QFLR vs. QTEC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QFLR (Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF) and QTEC (First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QFLR is actively managed, while QTEC is passively managed. Over the past year, QFLR returned 19.39% vs 51.53% for QTEC. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QFLR charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for QTEC.

Performance

QFLR vs. QTEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) and First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QFLR achieves a 3.09% return, which is significantly lower than QTEC's 37.95% return.

QFLR

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 3.09%
• 6M: 2.26%
• 1Y: 19.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QTEC

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.25%
• YTD: 37.95%
• 6M: 35.15%
• 1Y: 51.53%
• 3Y*: 30.80%
• 5Y*: 15.35%
• 10Y*: 22.82%

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

QFLR vs. QTEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	3.09%	17.27%	16.30%
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	37.95%	22.28%	1.81%

Correlation

The correlation between QFLR and QTEC is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2024	0.83

The correlation between QFLR and QTEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QFLR vs. QTEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

QFLR

QFLR Risk / Return Rank: 53
QFLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
QFLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QFLR Omega Ratio Rank: 51
QFLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
QFLR Martin Ratio Rank: 62

QTEC

QTEC Risk / Return Rank: 65
QTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
QTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
QTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 63
QTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
QTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

QFLR vs. QTEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) and First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC). 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.

	QFLR	QTEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.99	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	2.53	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.34	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	3.23	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	10.14	-0.09

QFLR vs. QTEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QFLR Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the QTEC Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QFLR and QTEC, 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

QFLR vs. QTEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QFLR drawdown since its inception was -13.97%, smaller than the maximum QTEC drawdown of -58.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QFLR and QTEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	QFLR	QTEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.97%	-58.86%	+44.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.61%	-16.03%	+8.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.00%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.54%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.54%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.02%	-5.41%	+1.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.51%	-9.87%	+7.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	5.10%	-3.17%

Volatility

QFLR vs. QTEC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF (QFLR) is 6.55%, while First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) has a volatility of 14.43%. This indicates that QFLR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QFLR	QTEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.55%	14.43%	-7.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.85%	21.93%	-12.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	26.16%	-13.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.12%	29.72%	-16.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.12%	27.75%	-14.63%

QFLR vs. QTEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

QFLR has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than QTEC's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

QFLR vs. QTEC - Dividend Comparison

Neither QFLR nor QTEC has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QFLR Innovator Nasdaq-100 Managed Floor ETF	0.00%	0.02%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%	0.14%	0.15%	0.02%	0.44%	0.68%	0.91%	0.80%	1.29%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QFLR and QTEC in my portfolio?

QFLR and QTEC have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QFLR or QTEC?

QTEC has higher volatility (14.43%) compared to QFLR (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QFLR dropped -13.97% vs QTEC's -58.86%.

Which ETF is better, QFLR or QTEC?

On 1-year performance, QTEC leads with 51.53% vs 19.39% for QFLR. On fees, QTEC is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, QFLR has been the lower-risk option at 6.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QFLR or QTEC?

Over the 1-year period, QTEC has performed better with a 51.53% return vs 19.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QFLR or QTEC?

QTEC is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for QFLR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QFLR or QTEC?

QFLR and QTEC have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between QFLR and QTEC?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for QFLR and 0.57% for QTEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.53), 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.