QTEC vs. QB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QTEC (First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund) and QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QTEC is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index, while QB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Nasdaq-100. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QTEC returned 41.63% vs 18.61% for QB. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QTEC charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for QB.

Performance

QTEC vs. QB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QTEC achieves a 32.07% return, which is significantly higher than QB's 12.42% return.

QTEC

• 1D: -2.73%
• 1M: -6.22%
• 6M: 28.27%
• YTD: 32.07%
• 1Y: 41.63%
• 3Y*: 25.33%
• 5Y*: 14.69%
• 10Y*: 21.34%

QB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.44%
• 6M: 11.41%
• YTD: 12.42%
• 1Y: 18.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QTEC vs. QB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	32.07%	9.36%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	12.42%	6.10%

Correlation

The correlation between QTEC and QB is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.73

The correlation between QTEC and QB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

QTEC vs. QB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QTEC	QB
Technology	89.8%	49.9%
Communication Services	5.8%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	3.0%	12.5%
Industrials	1.4%	3.7%
Basic Materials	-	1.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	8.6%
Energy	-	0.6%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Healthcare	-	5.3%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.6%

Return for Risk

QTEC vs. QB — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTEC

QTEC Risk / Return Rank: 56
QTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
QTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 50
QTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
QTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 57

QB

QB Risk / Return Rank: 94
QB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QB Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
QB Omega Ratio Rank: 95
QB Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

QTEC vs. QB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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.

	QTEC	QB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.66	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	3.87	-1.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.63	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	5.38	-2.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.91	25.93	-18.02

QTEC vs. QB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QTEC Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is lower than the QB Sharpe Ratio of 2.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QTEC and QB, 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

QTEC vs. QB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTEC drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, which is greater than QB's maximum drawdown of -3.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTEC and QB.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTEC	QB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-3.47%	-55.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.03%	-3.47%	-12.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.00%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.54%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.44%	-0.22%	-9.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.86%	-0.42%	-9.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.28%	0.72%	+4.56%

Volatility

QTEC vs. QB - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) has a higher volatility of 11.26% compared to ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB) at 2.71%. This indicates that QTEC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QTEC	QB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.26%	2.71%	+8.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.41%	5.83%	+17.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.47%	7.03%	+20.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.95%	6.91%	+23.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.82%	6.91%	+20.91%

QTEC vs. QB - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTEC has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than QB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTEC vs. QB - Dividend Comparison

QTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than QB's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.77%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	0.01%	0.00%	0.02%	0.14%	0.15%	0.02%	0.44%	0.68%	0.91%	0.80%	1.29%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTEC and QB in my portfolio?

QTEC and QB have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QTEC or QB?

QTEC has higher volatility (11.26%) compared to QB (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QTEC dropped -58.86% vs QB's -3.47%.

Which ETF is better, QTEC or QB?

On 1-year performance, QTEC leads with 41.63% vs 18.61% for QB. On fees, QTEC is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, QB has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QTEC or QB?

Over the 1-year period, QTEC has performed better with a 41.63% return vs 18.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTEC or QB?

QTEC is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for QB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QTEC or QB?

QB has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.01% for QTEC.

What is the main difference between QTEC and QB?

QTEC is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while QB is Defined Outcome. QTEC tracks NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index, while QB tracks Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for QTEC and 0.58% for QB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 1.52), 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.