QQXT vs. FAAR
QQXT (First Trust Nasdaq-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQXT is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. QQXT is passively managed, while FAAR is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, QQXT returned 10.56%/yr vs 4.79%/yr for FAAR. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QQXT charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.
Performance
QQXT vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, QQXT achieves a -2.69% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 20.23% return. Over the past 10 years, QQXT has outperformed FAAR with an annualized return of 10.56%, while FAAR has yielded a comparatively lower 4.79% annualized return.
QQXT
- 1D
- -0.33%
- 1M
- -2.21%
- YTD
- -2.69%
- 6M
- -3.44%
- 1Y
- 1.11%
- 3Y*
- 6.53%
- 5Y*
- 3.50%
- 10Y*
- 10.56%
FAAR
- 1D
- -0.05%
- 1M
- -4.34%
- YTD
- 20.23%
- 6M
- 19.92%
- 1Y
- 26.86%
- 3Y*
- 10.91%
- 5Y*
- 7.89%
- 10Y*
- 4.79%
QQXT vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QQXT First Trust Nasdaq-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund | -2.69% | 8.02% | 6.71% | 16.81% | -13.09% | 12.02% | 36.85% | 28.02% | -5.74% | 20.69% |
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 20.23% | 8.07% | 5.97% | -5.63% | 10.15% | 12.34% | 8.60% | -1.28% | -9.17% | 5.00% |
Correlation
The correlation between QQXT and FAAR is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.09 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.00 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.01 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.03 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2016 | 0.03 |
The correlation between QQXT and FAAR shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (1 year) to 0.03 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
QQXT vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank
QQXT
FAAR
QQXT vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund (QQXT) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.
| QQXT | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.92 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.67 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.03 | 1.35 | -0.32 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.15 | 4.75 | -4.60 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.33 | 14.70 | -14.37 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
QQXT vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QQXT drawdown since its inception was -57.45%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQXT and FAAR.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| QQXT | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -57.45% | -18.03% | -39.42% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.59% | -5.68% | -1.91% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.92% | -11.54% | -3.38% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.74% | -18.03% | -6.71% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -30.40% | -18.03% | -12.37% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -7.05% | -5.43% | -1.62% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.10% | -7.82% | -0.28% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.41% | 1.89% | +1.52% |
Volatility
QQXT vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund (QQXT) has a higher volatility of 3.00% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.47%. This indicates that QQXT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| QQXT | FAAR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.00% | 2.47% | +0.53% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 7.95% | 9.68% | -1.73% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 10.94% | 13.37% | -2.43% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.27% | 12.95% | +3.32% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.55% | 11.53% | +6.02% |
QQXT vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison
QQXT has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.
Dividends
QQXT vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison
QQXT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, less than FAAR's 9.57% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF | 9.57% | 11.63% | 3.45% | 3.20% | 5.82% | 6.49% | 3.05% | 1.02% | 0.58% | 2.83% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
QQXT First Trust Nasdaq-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund | 1.25% | 1.20% | 0.98% | 1.10% | 0.92% | 0.35% | 0.28% | 0.35% | 0.38% | 0.32% | 0.31% | 0.40% |
Frequently Asked Questions
QQXT and FAAR have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
QQXT has higher volatility (3.00%) compared to FAAR (2.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQXT dropped -57.45% vs FAAR's -18.03%.
On 10-year performance, QQXT leads with 10.56% vs 4.79% for FAAR. On fees, QQXT is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, QQXT has performed better with a 10.56% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QQXT is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.
FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.57%, compared with 1.25% for QQXT.
QQXT is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while FAAR is Commodities. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QQXT and 0.95% for FAAR.
FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 0.10), 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.
Find the right allocation for QQXT and FAAR
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer