SQMX vs. DBE

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SQMX (FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SQMX is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the S&P 500, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SQMX returned 8.50% vs 81.31% for DBE. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. SQMX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.

Performance

SQMX vs. DBE - 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 Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SQMX achieves a 2.15% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 79.04% return.

SQMX

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 2.15%
• 6M: 2.98%
• 1Y: 8.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBE

• 1D: -2.52%
• 1M: -6.01%
• YTD: 79.04%
• 6M: 69.31%
• 1Y: 81.31%
• 3Y*: 22.41%
• 5Y*: 19.05%
• 10Y*: 11.58%

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

SQMX vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SQMX FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF	2.15%	8.58%	-0.27%
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	79.04%	-2.17%	3.19%

Correlation

The correlation between SQMX and DBE is -0.26, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 24, 2024	-0.10

The correlation between SQMX and DBE shifts across timeframes, from -0.26 (1 year) to -0.10 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SQMX vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank

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

SQMX

SQMX Risk / Return Rank: 85
SQMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SQMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
SQMX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SQMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
SQMX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

DBE

DBE Risk / Return Rank: 71
DBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
DBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DBE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
DBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DBE Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. DBE - 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 Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). 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.

	SQMX	DBE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	2.33	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.67	2.87	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.39	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.19	5.67	-1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.93	11.08	+6.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SQMX vs. DBE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SQMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is comparable to the DBE Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SQMX and DBE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SQMX	DBE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.54	2.33	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.65	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	0.09	+1.08

Drawdowns

SQMX vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SQMX drawdown since its inception was -7.40%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SQMX and DBE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SQMX	DBE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.40%	-86.69%	+79.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.04%	-14.41%	+12.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-60.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-32.03%	+32.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.55%	-57.30%	+56.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	7.37%	-6.89%

Volatility

SQMX vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX) is 0.11%, while Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) has a volatility of 13.05%. This indicates that SQMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SQMX	DBE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.11%	13.05%	-12.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.72%	30.97%	-28.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.36%	35.07%	-31.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.27%	29.41%	-23.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.27%	28.34%	-22.07%

SQMX vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SQMX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

SQMX vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison

SQMX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DBE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.16%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	2.16%	3.86%	6.32%	3.87%	0.75%	0.00%	0.00%	1.79%	1.67%
SQMX FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF	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 SQMX and DBE in my portfolio?

SQMX and DBE have a correlation of -0.26, 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 DBE?

DBE has higher volatility (13.05%) compared to SQMX (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SQMX dropped -7.40% vs DBE's -86.69%.

Which ETF is better, SQMX or DBE?

On 1-year performance, DBE leads with 81.31% vs 8.50% for SQMX. On fees, DBE is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, SQMX has been the lower-risk option at 0.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SQMX or DBE?

Over the 1-year period, DBE has performed better with a 81.31% return vs 8.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SQMX or DBE?

DBE is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for SQMX.

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

DBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.16%, compared with 0.00% for SQMX.

What is the main difference between SQMX and DBE?

SQMX is categorized as Defined Outcome, while DBE is Oil & Gas. SQMX tracks S&P 500, while DBE tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for SQMX and 0.78% for DBE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SQMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 2.33), 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.