QQLV vs. BUFQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QQLV (Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF) and BUFQ (FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQLV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Low Volatility Index, while BUFQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ 100 Index - USD. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QQLV returned -1.95% vs 21.61% for BUFQ. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QQLV charges 0.25%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for BUFQ.

Performance

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQLV achieves a 1.94% return, which is significantly lower than BUFQ's 9.53% return.

QQLV

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.15%
• YTD: 1.94%
• 6M: 1.06%
• 1Y: -1.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFQ

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 2.68%
• YTD: 9.53%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 21.61%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	1.94%	4.19%	-5.60%
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	9.53%	14.03%	-0.76%

Correlation

The correlation between QQLV and BUFQ is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2024	0.31

Return for Risk

QQLV vs. BUFQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQLV

QQLV Risk / Return Rank: 6
QQLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
QQLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
QQLV Omega Ratio Rank: 6
QQLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
QQLV Martin Ratio Rank: 6

BUFQ

BUFQ Risk / Return Rank: 84
BUFQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
BUFQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BUFQ Omega Ratio Rank: 85
BUFQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUFQ Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) 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.

	QQLV	BUFQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.19	2.62	-2.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.20	3.88	-4.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.53	-0.55
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.27	4.03	-4.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.52	20.34	-20.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQLV Sharpe Ratio is -0.19, which is lower than the BUFQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQLV and BUFQ, 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

	QQLV	BUFQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.19	2.62	-2.81
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.01	1.42	-1.41

Drawdowns

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQLV drawdown since its inception was -9.54%, smaller than the maximum BUFQ drawdown of -15.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQLV and BUFQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQLV	BUFQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.54%	-15.74%	+6.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.35%	-5.39%	-1.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.61%	-0.04%	-3.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.19%	-2.31%	-0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.73%	1.06%	+2.67%

Volatility

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Volatility Comparison

Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) has a higher volatility of 2.66% compared to FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF (BUFQ) at 1.17%. This indicates that QQLV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUFQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQLV	BUFQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	1.17%	+1.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.05%	6.42%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.13%	8.31%	+1.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.70%	13.35%	-0.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.70%	13.35%	-0.65%

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQLV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFQ's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQLV vs. BUFQ - Dividend Comparison

QQLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, while BUFQ has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BUFQ FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	2.06%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQLV and BUFQ in my portfolio?

QQLV and BUFQ have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQLV or BUFQ?

QQLV has higher volatility (2.66%) compared to BUFQ (1.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQLV dropped -9.54% vs BUFQ's -15.74%.

Which ETF is better, QQLV or BUFQ?

On 1-year performance, BUFQ leads with 21.61% vs -1.95% for QQLV. On fees, QQLV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, BUFQ has been the lower-risk option at 1.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQLV or BUFQ?

Over the 1-year period, BUFQ has performed better with a 21.61% return vs -1.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQLV or BUFQ?

QQLV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.10% for BUFQ.

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

QQLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.06%, compared with 0.00% for BUFQ.

What is the main difference between QQLV and BUFQ?

QQLV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFQ is Nasdaq-100. QQLV tracks Nasdaq Low Volatility Index, while BUFQ tracks NASDAQ 100 Index - USD. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for QQLV and 1.10% for BUFQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUFQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs -0.19), 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.