QXQ vs. QBUF

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QXQ (SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF) and QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QXQ is actively managed, while QBUF is passively managed. Over the past year, QXQ returned 31.41% vs 10.55% for QBUF. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QXQ charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for QBUF.

Performance

QXQ vs. QBUF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) 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, QXQ achieves a 16.79% return, which is significantly higher than QBUF's 4.52% return.

QXQ

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: -0.23%
• 6M: 14.73%
• YTD: 16.79%
• 1Y: 31.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QBUF

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -0.21%
• 6M: 3.79%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 1Y: 10.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QXQ vs. QBUF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QXQ SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF	16.79%	19.78%	9.39%
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	4.52%	11.08%	5.90%

Correlation

The correlation between QXQ and QBUF is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2024	0.80

The correlation between QXQ and QBUF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

QXQ vs. QBUF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QXQ	QBUF
Technology	58.5%	50.7%
Communication Services	14.3%	15.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	12.5%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	8.7%
Healthcare	3.7%	5.1%
Industrials	2.8%	3.3%
Utilities	1.2%	1.6%
Basic Materials	1.0%	1.3%
Energy	0.5%	0.7%
Financial Services	0.2%	0.2%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

QXQ vs. QBUF — Risk / Return Rank

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

QXQ

QXQ Risk / Return Rank: 64
QXQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
QXQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
QXQ Omega Ratio Rank: 61
QXQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
QXQ Martin Ratio Rank: 66

QBUF

QBUF Risk / Return Rank: 83
QBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
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.

QXQ vs. QBUF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) 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.

	QXQ	QBUF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.92	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.67	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.39	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	4.59	-2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	15.35	-5.78

QXQ vs. QBUF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QXQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the QBUF Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QXQ 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

QXQ vs. QBUF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QXQ drawdown since its inception was -22.53%, which is greater than QBUF's maximum drawdown of -8.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QXQ and QBUF.

Drawdown Indicators

	QXQ	QBUF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.53%	-8.84%	-13.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.20%	-2.31%	-9.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-0.44%	-3.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-0.79%	-2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	0.69%	+2.60%

Volatility

QXQ vs. QBUF - Volatility Comparison

SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) has a higher volatility of 7.70% compared to Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) at 1.93%. This indicates that QXQ'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

	QXQ	QBUF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.70%	1.93%	+5.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.08%	3.93%	+11.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.34%	5.52%	+12.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.17%	8.34%	+13.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.17%	8.34%	+13.83%

QXQ vs. QBUF - Expense Ratio Comparison

QXQ has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than QBUF's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

QXQ vs. QBUF - Dividend Comparison

QXQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.35%, 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%
QXQ SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF	15.35%	18.21%	1.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QXQ and QBUF in my portfolio?

QXQ and QBUF have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QXQ or QBUF?

QXQ has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to QBUF (1.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QXQ dropped -22.53% vs QBUF's -8.84%.

Which ETF is better, QXQ or QBUF?

On 1-year performance, QXQ leads with 31.41% vs 10.55% for QBUF. On fees, QBUF is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, QBUF has been the lower-risk option at 1.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QXQ or QBUF?

Over the 1-year period, QXQ has performed better with a 31.41% return vs 10.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QXQ or QBUF?

QBUF is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for QXQ.

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

QXQ has the higher dividend yield at 15.35%, compared with 0.00% for QBUF.

What is the main difference between QXQ and QBUF?

They also come from different issuers: Summit Global Investments and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for QXQ and 0.79% for QBUF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QBUF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.72), 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.