QSIX vs. QBUF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QSIX (Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF) and QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) are both Nasdaq-100 funds - QSIX tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index while QBUF tracks the Invesco QQQ Trust. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QSIX returned 29.55% vs 11.53% for QBUF. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QSIX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QBUF.

Performance

QSIX vs. QBUF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QSIX achieves a 14.58% return, which is significantly higher than QBUF's 4.90% return.

QSIX

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -0.97%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 6M: 12.89%
• 1Y: 29.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QBUF

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 4.90%
• 6M: 3.78%
• 1Y: 11.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QSIX vs. QBUF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	14.58%	18.54%	4.81%
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	4.90%	11.08%	4.93%

Correlation

The correlation between QSIX and QBUF is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2024	0.80

The correlation between QSIX and QBUF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QSIX vs. QBUF — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSIX

QSIX Risk / Return Rank: 62
QSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
QSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
QSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
QSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
QSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

QBUF

QBUF Risk / Return Rank: 85
QBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
QBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
QBUF 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.

QSIX vs. QBUF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF). 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.

	QSIX	QBUF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	2.21	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	3.11	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.46	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	5.02	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.11	17.21	-7.09

QSIX vs. QBUF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the QBUF Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSIX and QBUF, 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

QSIX vs. QBUF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSIX drawdown since its inception was -20.72%, which is greater than QBUF's maximum drawdown of -8.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSIX and QBUF.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSIX	QBUF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.72%	-8.84%	-11.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-2.31%	-8.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.54%	0.00%	-4.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.06%	-0.80%	-2.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	0.67%	+2.26%

Volatility

QSIX vs. QBUF - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) has a higher volatility of 8.16% compared to Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) at 0.41%. This indicates that QSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QBUF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QSIX	QBUF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.16%	0.41%	+7.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.26%	3.62%	+9.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.41%	5.25%	+11.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.75%	8.34%	+11.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.75%	8.34%	+11.41%

QSIX vs. QBUF - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSIX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than QBUF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSIX vs. QBUF - Dividend Comparison

QSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, while QBUF has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	3.99%	4.02%	1.07%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSIX and QBUF in my portfolio?

QSIX and QBUF have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSIX or QBUF?

QSIX has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to QBUF (0.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSIX dropped -20.72% vs QBUF's -8.84%.

Which ETF is better, QSIX or QBUF?

On 1-year performance, QSIX leads with 29.55% vs 11.53% for QBUF. On fees, QSIX is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, QBUF has been the lower-risk option at 0.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QSIX or QBUF?

Over the 1-year period, QSIX has performed better with a 29.55% return vs 11.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSIX or QBUF?

QSIX is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for QBUF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QSIX or QBUF?

QSIX has the higher dividend yield at 3.99%, compared with 0.00% for QBUF.

What is the main difference between QSIX and QBUF?

QSIX tracks Nasdaq-100 Index, while QBUF tracks Invesco QQQ Trust. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QSIX and 0.79% for QBUF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QBUF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.81), 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.