QXQ vs. QTEC

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QXQ (SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF) and QTEC (First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QXQ is actively managed, while QTEC is passively managed. Over the past year, QXQ returned 31.41% vs 47.66% for QTEC. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QXQ charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for QTEC.

Performance

QXQ vs. QTEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) and First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC). 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 lower than QTEC's 37.33% return.

QXQ

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

QTEC

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: -1.13%
• 6M: 32.14%
• YTD: 37.33%
• 1Y: 47.66%
• 3Y*: 27.76%
• 5Y*: 15.31%
• 10Y*: 21.92%

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

QXQ vs. QTEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QXQ SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF	16.79%	19.78%	9.70%
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	37.33%	22.28%	-3.75%

Correlation

The correlation between QXQ and QTEC is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2024	0.89

The correlation between QXQ and QTEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

QXQ vs. QTEC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QXQ	QTEC
Technology	58.5%	89.8%
Communication Services	14.3%	5.8%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Healthcare	3.7%	-
Industrials	2.8%	1.4%
Utilities	1.2%	-
Basic Materials	1.0%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

QXQ vs. QTEC — 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

QTEC

QTEC Risk / Return Rank: 66
QTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
QTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
QTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 62
QTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
QTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. QTEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) and First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC). 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	QTEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.76	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.28	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.30	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	2.99	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.57	9.15	+0.42

QXQ vs. QTEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QXQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the QTEC Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QXQ and QTEC, 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. QTEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QXQ drawdown since its inception was -22.53%, smaller than the maximum QTEC drawdown of -58.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QXQ and QTEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	QXQ	QTEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.53%	-58.86%	+36.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.20%	-16.03%	+3.83%
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	-3.66%	-5.84%	+2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-9.86%	+6.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	5.22%	-1.93%

Volatility

QXQ vs. QTEC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF (QXQ) is 7.70%, while First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) has a volatility of 12.10%. This indicates that QXQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QXQ	QTEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.70%	12.10%	-4.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.08%	23.19%	-8.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.34%	27.29%	-8.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.17%	29.93%	-7.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.17%	27.81%	-5.64%

QXQ vs. QTEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

QXQ has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than QTEC's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

QXQ vs. QTEC - Dividend Comparison

QXQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.35%, more than QTEC's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
QXQ SGI Enhanced Nasdaq-100 ETF	15.35%	18.21%	1.97%	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 QXQ and QTEC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, QXQ and QTEC 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 is riskier, QXQ or QTEC?

QTEC has higher volatility (12.10%) compared to QXQ (7.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QXQ dropped -22.53% vs QTEC's -58.86%.

Which ETF is better, QXQ or QTEC?

On 1-year performance, QTEC leads with 47.66% vs 31.41% for QXQ. On fees, QTEC is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, QXQ has been the lower-risk option at 7.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QXQ or QTEC?

Over the 1-year period, QTEC has performed better with a 47.66% return vs 31.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QXQ or QTEC?

QTEC is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for QXQ.

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

QXQ has the higher dividend yield at 15.35%, compared with 0.01% for QTEC.

What is the main difference between QXQ and QTEC?

They also come from different issuers: Summit Global Investments and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for QXQ and 0.57% for QTEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 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.