QNDX vs. BUFQ

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

QNDX (SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF) and BUFQ (FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds - QNDX tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index while BUFQ tracks the NASDAQ 100 Index - USD. Both are passively managed. Their 0.99 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. QNDX charges 0.10%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for BUFQ.

Performance

QNDX vs. BUFQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX) and FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

QNDX

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: -0.69%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

BUFQ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.59%
• 6M: 10.08%
• YTD: 9.68%
• 1Y: 16.96%
• 3Y*: 15.98%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 18.06%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	$5.26M	$5.31M	$5.93M
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	$14.09M	$14.07M	$12.53M

QNDX vs. BUFQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.41%
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	1.60%

Correlation

The correlation between QNDX and BUFQ is 0.99 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2026	0.99

Return for Risk

QNDX vs. BUFQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

QNDX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BUFQ

BUFQ Risk / Return Rank: 78
BUFQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
BUFQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
BUFQ Omega Ratio Rank: 75
BUFQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFQ Martin Ratio Rank: 87

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

QNDX vs. BUFQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX) and FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ). 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.

	QNDX	BUFQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.87	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.79	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.35	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.16	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.09	—

Drawdowns

QNDX vs. BUFQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QNDX drawdown since its inception was -10.10%, smaller than the maximum BUFQ drawdown of -15.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QNDX and BUFQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QNDX	BUFQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.10%	-15.74%	+5.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.39%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.57%	-0.25%	-2.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-2.26%	-1.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.21%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QNDX	BUFQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.59%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.50%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.98%	9.14%	+15.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.98%	13.27%	+11.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.98%	13.27%	+11.71%

QNDX vs. BUFQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QNDX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFQ's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

QNDX vs. BUFQ - Dividend Comparison

Neither QNDX nor BUFQ has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QNDX and BUFQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, QNDX and BUFQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, QNDX or BUFQ?

On fees, QNDX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QNDX or BUFQ?

QNDX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BUFQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QNDX or BUFQ?

QNDX and BUFQ have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between QNDX and BUFQ?

QNDX tracks Nasdaq-100 Index, while BUFQ tracks NASDAQ 100 Index - USD. They also come from different issuers: State Street and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for QNDX and 1.10% for BUFQ.