QUSA vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

QUSA (VistaShares Target 15™ USA Quality Income ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QUSA is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by VistaShares, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. QUSA is actively managed, while FTQI is passively managed. Over the past year, QUSA returned 2.81% vs 25.43% for FTQI. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QUSA charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

QUSA vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VistaShares Target 15™ USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) 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, QUSA achieves a 8.31% return, which is significantly lower than FTQI's 12.35% return.

QUSA

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: -0.89%
• 6M: 6.46%
• YTD: 8.31%
• 1Y: 2.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTQI

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 1.42%
• 6M: 11.44%
• YTD: 12.35%
• 1Y: 25.43%
• 3Y*: 16.33%
• 5Y*: 12.18%
• 10Y*: 7.99%

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

QUSA vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QUSA VistaShares Target 15™ USA Quality Income ETF	8.31%	-3.27%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.35%	19.40%

Correlation

The correlation between QUSA and FTQI is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2025	0.64

The correlation between QUSA and FTQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

QUSA vs. FTQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QUSA	FTQI
Technology	37.9%	49.4%
Consumer Defensive	16.7%	6.2%
Financial Services	13.0%	5.5%
Communication Services	12.9%	11.8%
Industrials	9.8%	4.1%
Healthcare	9.6%	6.0%
Basic Materials	-	1.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.5%
Energy	-	2.3%
Real Estate	-	1.3%
Utilities	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

QUSA vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

QUSA

QUSA Risk / Return Rank: 14
QUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
QUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
QUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 13
QUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
QUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 14

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 90
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
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.

QUSA vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VistaShares Target 15™ USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) 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.

	QUSA	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	2.35	-2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.45	3.26	-2.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.44	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.28	4.09	-3.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.66	19.35	-18.69

QUSA vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QUSA Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QUSA 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

QUSA vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QUSA drawdown since its inception was -10.64%, smaller than the maximum FTQI drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QUSA and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	QUSA	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.64%	-19.42%	+8.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	-6.24%	-3.88%
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	-2.98%	-1.21%	-1.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.60%	-3.73%	+0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.25%	1.32%	+2.93%

Volatility

QUSA vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

VistaShares Target 15™ USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) has a higher volatility of 3.70% compared to First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) at 2.95%. This indicates that QUSA'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

	QUSA	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	2.95%	+0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.06%	8.82%	+0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.96%	10.88%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.74%	14.81%	-4.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.74%	12.96%	-2.22%

QUSA vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

QUSA has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

QUSA vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

QUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.08%, more than FTQI's 10.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.96%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%
QUSA VistaShares Target 15™ USA Quality Income ETF	14.08%	6.61%	0.00%	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 QUSA and FTQI in my portfolio?

QUSA and FTQI have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QUSA or FTQI?

QUSA has higher volatility (3.70%) compared to FTQI (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QUSA dropped -10.64% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, QUSA or FTQI?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 25.43% vs 2.81% for QUSA. On fees, FTQI is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, FTQI has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QUSA or FTQI?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 25.43% return vs 2.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QUSA or FTQI?

FTQI is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for QUSA.

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

QUSA has the higher dividend yield at 14.08%, compared with 10.96% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between QUSA and FTQI?

QUSA is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: VistaShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for QUSA and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 0.26), 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.