QQQT vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QQQT (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QQQT is actively managed, while FTQI is passively managed. Over the past year, QQQT returned 22.44% vs 26.34% for FTQI. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QQQT charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

QQQT vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) 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, QQQT achieves a 13.83% return, which is significantly higher than FTQI's 12.76% return.

QQQT

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -2.92%
• 6M: 12.68%
• YTD: 13.83%
• 1Y: 22.44%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

QQQT vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	13.83%	14.04%	4.20%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.76%	12.68%	8.78%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQT and FTQI is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2024	0.88

The correlation between QQQT and FTQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQT vs. FTQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQT	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

QQQT vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQT

QQQT Risk / Return Rank: 44
QQQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
QQQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
QQQT Omega Ratio Rank: 46
QQQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
QQQT Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

QQQT vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) 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.

	QQQT	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	2.43	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	3.37	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.45	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.77	4.24	-2.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	20.07	-14.18

QQQT vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQT Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is lower than the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQT 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

QQQT vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQT drawdown since its inception was -22.50%, which is greater than FTQI's maximum drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQT and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQT	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-19.42%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.73%	-6.24%	-6.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.98%	-0.85%	-4.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.96%	-3.73%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	1.32%	+2.50%

Volatility

QQQT vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) has a higher volatility of 6.92% compared to First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) at 2.92%. This indicates that QQQT'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

	QQQT	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.92%	2.92%	+4.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.37%	8.83%	+5.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.19%	10.87%	+6.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	14.82%	+5.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.77%	12.98%	+7.79%

QQQT vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQT has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQT vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

QQQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 20.47%, more 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%
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	20.47%	21.27%	10.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQT and FTQI in my portfolio?

QQQT and FTQI have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQT or FTQI?

QQQT has higher volatility (6.92%) compared to FTQI (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQT dropped -22.50% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, QQQT or FTQI?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 26.34% vs 22.44% for QQQT. On fees, FTQI is cheaper at 0.75% 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, QQQT or FTQI?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 26.34% return vs 22.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQT or FTQI?

FTQI is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for QQQT.

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

QQQT has the higher dividend yield at 20.47%, compared with 10.92% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between QQQT and FTQI?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.05% for QQQT and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.31), 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.