QQH vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QQH (HCM Defender 100 Index ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQH is a Technology Equities fund tracking the HCM Defender 100 Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QQH returned 15.09%/yr vs 34.63%/yr for FTXL. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQH charges 1.14%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

QQH vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQH achieves a 14.78% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

QQH

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 14.19%
• YTD: 14.78%
• 6M: 12.39%
• 1Y: 40.27%
• 3Y*: 26.06%
• 5Y*: 15.09%
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 2.21%
• 1M: 30.59%
• YTD: 115.70%
• 6M: 113.17%
• 1Y: 225.15%
• 3Y*: 61.52%
• 5Y*: 34.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

QQH vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	14.78%	15.66%	33.64%	48.05%	-39.60%	37.52%	41.71%	15.13%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	19.40%

Correlation

The correlation between QQH and FTXL is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2019	0.76

The correlation between QQH and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQH vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQH	FTXL
Technology	56.6%	99.5%
Communication Services	14.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	13.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	-
Healthcare	3.5%	-
Industrials	2.2%	0.5%
Utilities	1.2%	-
Basic Materials	1.0%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

QQH vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQH

QQH Risk / Return Rank: 51
QQH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
QQH Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
QQH Omega Ratio Rank: 52
QQH Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
QQH Martin Ratio Rank: 42

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

QQH vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). 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.

	QQH	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	6.33	-4.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	5.74	-3.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.78	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.50	15.62	-13.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.81	58.28	-51.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QQH vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQH Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQH and FTXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QQH	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	6.33	-4.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.97	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.94	-0.08

Drawdowns

QQH vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQH drawdown since its inception was -41.87%, roughly equal to the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQH and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQH	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.87%	-43.87%	+2.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.18%	-14.51%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.84%	-41.57%	+16.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.87%	-43.87%	+2.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	0.00%	-0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.94%	-10.56%	-2.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.93%	3.88%	+2.05%

Volatility

QQH vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) is 6.03%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that QQH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQH	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.03%	14.28%	-8.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.47%	28.98%	-14.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.57%	35.94%	-15.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.51%	36.02%	-14.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.73%	34.25%	-9.52%

QQH vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQH has a 1.14% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQH vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

QQH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, more than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.12%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	0.18%	0.21%	0.24%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQH and FTXL in my portfolio?

QQH and FTXL have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQH or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to QQH (6.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQH dropped -41.87% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, QQH or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.63% vs 15.09% for QQH. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, QQH has been the lower-risk option at 6.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQH or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.63% return vs 15.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQH or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for QQH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQH or FTXL?

QQH has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between QQH and FTXL?

QQH is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. QQH tracks HCM Defender 100 Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Howard Capital Management and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.14% for QQH and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs 1.97), 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.