TSEP vs. QMAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TSEP (FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - TSEP is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, TSEP returned 20.83% vs 20.76% for QMAR. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TSEP charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QMAR.

Performance

TSEP vs. QMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) and FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TSEP achieves a 8.33% return, which is significantly lower than QMAR's 11.40% return.

TSEP

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 8.33%
• 6M: 9.08%
• 1Y: 20.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QMAR

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -0.77%
• YTD: 11.40%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 20.76%
• 3Y*: 15.65%
• 5Y*: 11.30%
• 10Y*: —

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

TSEP vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TSEP FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September	8.33%	20.91%	-1.99%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	11.40%	10.89%	4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between TSEP and QMAR is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2024	0.61

The correlation between TSEP and QMAR shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (all time) to 0.72 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

TSEP vs. QMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSEP

TSEP Risk / Return Rank: 70
TSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
TSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
TSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 76
TSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
TSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 70

QMAR

QMAR Risk / Return Rank: 95
QMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
QMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 96
QMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

TSEP vs. QMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) and FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). 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.

	TSEP	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	3.19	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	4.77	-1.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.74	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	6.49	-3.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.77	39.78	-28.01

TSEP vs. QMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TSEP Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is lower than the QMAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TSEP and QMAR, 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

TSEP vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSEP drawdown since its inception was -9.83%, smaller than the maximum QMAR drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSEP and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSEP	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.83%	-19.83%	+10.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.25%	-3.21%	-4.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-1.65%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.66%	-3.26%	+1.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.77%	0.52%	+1.25%

Volatility

TSEP vs. QMAR - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) has a higher volatility of 3.17% compared to FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) at 2.92%. This indicates that TSEP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TSEP	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.17%	2.92%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.40%	5.59%	+2.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.35%	6.55%	+3.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.41%	14.01%	-2.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.41%	13.83%	-2.42%

TSEP vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSEP has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than QMAR's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

TSEP vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither TSEP nor QMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TSEP and QMAR in my portfolio?

TSEP and QMAR have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TSEP or QMAR?

TSEP has higher volatility (3.17%) compared to QMAR (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TSEP dropped -9.83% vs QMAR's -19.83%.

Which ETF is better, TSEP or QMAR?

On 1-year performance, TSEP leads with 20.83% vs 20.76% for QMAR. On fees, QMAR is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, QMAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TSEP or QMAR?

Over the 1-year period, TSEP has performed better with a 20.83% return vs 20.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TSEP or QMAR?

QMAR is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TSEP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TSEP or QMAR?

TSEP and QMAR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between TSEP and QMAR?

TSEP is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for TSEP and 0.90% for QMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 2.02), 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.