QTEC vs. QNDX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QTEC (First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund) and QNDX (SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds - QTEC tracks the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index while QNDX tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QTEC charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for QNDX.

Performance

QTEC vs. QNDX - 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 SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

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%

QNDX

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QTEC vs. QNDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	-4.98%
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	-1.16%

Correlation

The correlation between QTEC and QNDX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2026	0.98

Return for Risk

QTEC vs. QNDX — 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

QNDX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. QNDX - 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 SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX). 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	QNDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.61	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.91	—	—

Drawdowns

QTEC vs. QNDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTEC drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, which is greater than QNDX's maximum drawdown of -4.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTEC and QNDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTEC	QNDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-4.09%	-54.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.03%	—	—
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%	-4.09%	-5.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.86%	-1.91%	-7.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.28%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QTEC	QNDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.26%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.41%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.47%	22.37%	+5.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.95%	22.37%	+7.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.82%	22.37%	+5.45%

QTEC vs. QNDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTEC has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than QNDX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTEC vs. QNDX - Dividend Comparison

QTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, while QNDX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 QNDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, QTEC and QNDX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, QTEC or QNDX?

On fees, QNDX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTEC or QNDX?

QNDX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for QTEC.

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

QTEC has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for QNDX.

What is the main difference between QTEC and QNDX?

QTEC tracks NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index, while QNDX tracks Nasdaq-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for QTEC and 0.10% for QNDX.