QQQ vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, from Invesco and First Trust respectively. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QQQ returned 21.01%/yr vs 7.85%/yr for FTQI. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQQ charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

QQQ vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQ achieves a 15.19% return, which is significantly higher than FTQI's 12.76% return. Over the past 10 years, QQQ has outperformed FTQI with an annualized return of 21.01%, while FTQI has yielded a comparatively lower 7.85% annualized return.

QQQ

• 1D: -1.64%
• 1M: -3.17%
• 6M: 13.80%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 1Y: 27.28%
• 3Y*: 23.36%
• 5Y*: 15.26%
• 10Y*: 21.01%

FTQI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 1.28%
• 6M: 11.68%
• YTD: 12.76%
• 1Y: 26.34%
• 3Y*: 16.62%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 7.85%

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

QQQ vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	15.19%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.76%	12.68%	18.30%	23.63%	-8.77%	10.46%	-6.54%	13.98%	-9.78%	12.47%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQ and FTQI is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 7, 2014	0.59

Over the past year, QQQ and FTQI have become more correlated (0.89) than their long-term average of 0.59, meaning their price movements have been converging.

QQQ vs. FTQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQ	FTQI
Technology	58.7%	49.4%
Communication Services	14.3%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	10.5%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	6.2%
Healthcare	3.7%	6.0%
Industrials	2.6%	4.1%
Utilities	1.2%	1.5%
Basic Materials	1.0%	1.4%
Energy	0.5%	2.3%
Financial Services	0.2%	5.5%
Real Estate	0.1%	1.3%

Return for Risk

QQQ vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 53
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 50
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 58

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

QQQ vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). 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.

	QQQ	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	2.43	-0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	3.37	-1.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.45	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	4.24	-1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.13	20.07	-11.94

QQQ vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is lower than the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQ and FTQI, 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

QQQ vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQ drawdown since its inception was -82.97%, which is greater than FTQI's maximum drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQ and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQ	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.97%	-19.42%	-63.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-6.24%	-5.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.77%	-19.42%	-3.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.12%	-19.42%	-15.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.12%	-19.42%	-15.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.29%	-0.85%	-4.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.66%	-3.73%	-28.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	1.32%	+2.04%

Volatility

QQQ vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a higher volatility of 7.53% compared to First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) at 2.92%. This indicates that QQQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQ	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.53%	2.92%	+4.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.52%	8.83%	+6.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.69%	10.87%	+7.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.81%	14.82%	+7.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.44%	12.98%	+9.46%

QQQ vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQ has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQ vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, less than FTQI's 10.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.92%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQ and FTQI in my portfolio?

QQQ and FTQI have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQ or FTQI?

QQQ has higher volatility (7.53%) compared to FTQI (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQ dropped -82.97% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, QQQ or FTQI?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 21.01% vs 7.85% for FTQI. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, FTQI has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQ or FTQI?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 21.01% return vs 7.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQ or FTQI?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQQ or FTQI?

FTQI has the higher dividend yield at 10.92%, compared with 0.43% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between QQQ and FTQI?

Both ETFs track NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for QQQ and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.47), 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.