SQMX vs. APXM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SQMX (FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF) and APXM (FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April) are both Defined Outcome funds. SQMX is passively managed, while APXM is actively managed. Over the past year, SQMX returned 7.25% vs 4.93% for APXM. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.85% expense ratio.

Performance

SQMX vs. APXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SQMX achieves a 2.84% return, which is significantly higher than APXM's 2.43% return.

SQMX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.53%
• 6M: 2.34%
• YTD: 2.84%
• 1Y: 7.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APXM

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.25%
• 6M: 2.23%
• YTD: 2.43%
• 1Y: 4.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SQMX vs. APXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SQMX FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF	2.84%	11.02%
APXM FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April	2.43%	5.24%

Correlation

The correlation between SQMX and APXM is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 21, 2025	0.66

The correlation between SQMX and APXM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SQMX vs. APXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SQMX

SQMX Risk / Return Rank: 86
SQMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
SQMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
SQMX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SQMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
SQMX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

APXM

APXM Risk / Return Rank: 98
APXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Omega Ratio Rank: 98
APXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
APXM Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

SQMX vs. APXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM). 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.

	SQMX	APXM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	3.97	-1.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	6.46	-3.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	2.07	-0.58
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	8.27	-4.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.15	50.04	-34.89

SQMX vs. APXM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SQMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is lower than the APXM Sharpe Ratio of 3.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SQMX and APXM, 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

SQMX vs. APXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SQMX drawdown since its inception was -7.40%, which is greater than APXM's maximum drawdown of -0.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SQMX and APXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SQMX	APXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.40%	-0.60%	-6.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.04%	-0.60%	-1.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-0.13%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.52%	-0.05%	-0.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	0.10%	+0.38%

Volatility

SQMX vs. APXM - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX) has a higher volatility of 0.83% compared to FT Vest U.S. Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM) at 0.60%. This indicates that SQMX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than APXM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SQMX	APXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.83%	0.60%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.39%	1.12%	+1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.39%	1.25%	+2.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.07%	1.36%	+4.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.07%	1.36%	+4.71%

SQMX vs. APXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SQMX and APXM have an expense ratio of 0.85%.

Dividends

SQMX vs. APXM - Dividend Comparison

Neither SQMX nor APXM has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SQMX and APXM in my portfolio?

SQMX and APXM have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SQMX or APXM?

SQMX has higher volatility (0.83%) compared to APXM (0.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SQMX dropped -7.40% vs APXM's -0.60%.

Which ETF is better, SQMX or APXM?

On 1-year performance, SQMX leads with 7.25% vs 4.93% for APXM. Both ETFs have the same 0.85% expense ratio. On volatility, APXM has been the lower-risk option at 0.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SQMX or APXM?

Over the 1-year period, SQMX has performed better with a 7.25% return vs 4.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SQMX or APXM?

SQMX and APXM have the same expense ratio: 0.85% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SQMX or APXM?

SQMX and APXM have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between SQMX and APXM?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

APXM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.97 vs 2.15), 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.