QIDX vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QIDX (Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QIDX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Indexperts, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QIDX returned 12.09% vs 28.33% for FAAR. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QIDX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

QIDX vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF (QIDX) 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, QIDX achieves a 7.83% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.

QIDX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 1.28%
• YTD: 7.83%
• 6M: 6.85%
• 1Y: 12.09%
• 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)

QIDX vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QIDX Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF	7.83%	6.60%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	19.14%	8.07%

Correlation

The correlation between QIDX and FAAR is -0.04, 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	-0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.01

Return for Risk

QIDX vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

QIDX

QIDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
QIDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
QIDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
QIDX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
QIDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
QIDX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

QIDX vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF (QIDX) 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.

	QIDX	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	2.15	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	3.09	-1.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.37	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.75	4.52	-2.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.80	15.18	-9.38

QIDX vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QIDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QIDX 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

QIDX vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QIDX drawdown since its inception was -14.99%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QIDX and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	QIDX	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.99%	-18.03%	+3.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.92%	-6.29%	-0.63%
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	-1.29%	-6.29%	+5.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.24%	-7.82%	+5.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.09%	1.87%	+0.22%

Volatility

QIDX vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF (QIDX) has a higher volatility of 3.01% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.55%. This indicates that QIDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QIDX	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.01%	2.55%	+0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.53%	9.68%	-1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.15%	13.38%	-2.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.54%	12.96%	+1.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.54%	11.54%	+3.00%

QIDX vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

QIDX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

QIDX vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

QIDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, less than FAAR's 9.66% yield.

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%
QIDX Indexperts Quality Earnings Focused ETF	0.85%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QIDX and FAAR in my portfolio?

QIDX and FAAR have a correlation of -0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QIDX or FAAR?

QIDX has higher volatility (3.01%) compared to FAAR (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QIDX dropped -14.99% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, QIDX or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 28.33% vs 12.09% for QIDX. On fees, QIDX is cheaper at 0.50% 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, QIDX or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 28.33% return vs 12.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QIDX or FAAR?

QIDX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 0.85% for QIDX.

What is the main difference between QIDX and FAAR?

QIDX is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Indexperts and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for QIDX and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.10), 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.