SBAR vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SBAR (Simplify Barrier Income ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SBAR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Simplify, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. SBAR is actively managed, while FTQI is passively managed. Over the past year, SBAR returned 9.75% vs 25.43% for FTQI. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

SBAR vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Barrier Income ETF (SBAR) 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, SBAR achieves a 3.29% return, which is significantly lower than FTQI's 12.35% return.

SBAR

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 0.96%
• 6M: 2.62%
• YTD: 3.29%
• 1Y: 9.75%
• 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)

SBAR vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SBAR Simplify Barrier Income ETF	3.29%	13.80%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.35%	24.10%

Correlation

The correlation between SBAR and FTQI is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2025	0.65

The correlation between SBAR and FTQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

SBAR vs. FTQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SBAR	FTQI
Financial Services	83.2%	5.5%
Technology	33.1%	49.4%
Communication Services	10.7%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.5%
Healthcare	9.8%	6.0%
Industrials	8.7%	4.1%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	6.2%
Energy	3.5%	2.3%
Utilities	2.5%	1.5%
Real Estate	2.0%	1.3%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.4%

Return for Risk

SBAR vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SBAR

SBAR Risk / Return Rank: 45
SBAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
SBAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SBAR Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SBAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
SBAR Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

SBAR vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Barrier Income ETF (SBAR) 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.

	SBAR	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	2.35	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	3.26	-1.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.44	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	4.09	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.28	19.35	-12.07

SBAR vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SBAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SBAR 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

SBAR vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SBAR drawdown since its inception was -5.32%, smaller than the maximum FTQI drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SBAR and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SBAR	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.32%	-19.42%	+14.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.32%	-6.24%	+0.92%
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	-1.17%	-1.21%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-3.73%	+2.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.34%	1.32%	+0.02%

Volatility

SBAR vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Barrier Income ETF (SBAR) is 2.49%, while First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) has a volatility of 2.95%. This indicates that SBAR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SBAR	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.49%	2.95%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.00%	8.82%	-2.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.99%	10.88%	-2.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.75%	14.81%	-5.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.75%	12.96%	-3.21%

SBAR vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SBAR and FTQI have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

SBAR vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

SBAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.61%, 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%
SBAR Simplify Barrier Income ETF	12.61%	8.56%	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 SBAR and FTQI in my portfolio?

SBAR and FTQI have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SBAR or FTQI?

FTQI has higher volatility (2.95%) compared to SBAR (2.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SBAR dropped -5.32% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, SBAR or FTQI?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 25.43% vs 9.75% for SBAR. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, SBAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SBAR or FTQI?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 25.43% return vs 9.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SBAR or FTQI?

SBAR and FTQI have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

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

SBAR has the higher dividend yield at 12.61%, compared with 10.96% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between SBAR and FTQI?

SBAR is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.23), 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.