XOEX vs. QMAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XOEX (Xtrackers S&P 100 Ex Top 20 ETF) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - XOEX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 100 Ex-Top 20 Select Index, while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. XOEX is passively managed, while QMAR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, XOEX returned 17.92%/yr vs 15.65%/yr for QMAR. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XOEX charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QMAR.

Performance

XOEX vs. QMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers S&P 100 Ex Top 20 ETF (XOEX) 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, XOEX achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly lower than QMAR's 11.40% return.

XOEX

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 6M: 8.67%
• 1Y: 25.84%
• 3Y*: 17.92%
• 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)

XOEX vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
XOEX Xtrackers S&P 100 Ex Top 20 ETF	9.48%	18.97%	12.07%	15.99%	2.98%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	11.40%	10.89%	16.11%	35.47%	-0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between XOEX and QMAR is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2022	0.63

The correlation between XOEX and QMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

XOEX vs. QMAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XOEX	QMAR
Technology	19.4%	58.7%
Financial Services	17.4%	0.2%
Healthcare	15.9%	3.7%
Industrials	14.5%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	9.2%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	11.4%
Communication Services	6.7%	14.3%
Utilities	4.5%	1.2%
Energy	3.0%	0.5%
Basic Materials	1.6%	1.0%
Real Estate	1.0%	0.1%

Return for Risk

XOEX vs. QMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

XOEX

XOEX Risk / Return Rank: 78
XOEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
XOEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
XOEX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
XOEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
XOEX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

XOEX vs. QMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers S&P 100 Ex Top 20 ETF (XOEX) 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.

	XOEX	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	3.19	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	4.77	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.74	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.55	6.49	-2.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.97	39.78	-25.81

XOEX vs. QMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XOEX Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the QMAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XOEX 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

XOEX vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XOEX drawdown since its inception was -14.68%, smaller than the maximum QMAR drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XOEX and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	XOEX	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.68%	-19.83%	+5.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.31%	-3.21%	-4.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-15.91%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.52%	-1.65%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.62%	-3.26%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	0.52%	+1.33%

Volatility

XOEX vs. QMAR - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers S&P 100 Ex Top 20 ETF (XOEX) has a higher volatility of 4.07% compared to FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) at 2.92%. This indicates that XOEX'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

	XOEX	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.07%	2.92%	+1.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.88%	5.59%	+3.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.29%	6.55%	+4.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.45%	14.01%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.45%	13.83%	-0.38%

XOEX vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

XOEX has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than QMAR's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

XOEX vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

XOEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, while QMAR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XOEX Xtrackers S&P 100 Ex Top 20 ETF	1.48%	1.95%	2.09%	1.72%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XOEX and QMAR in my portfolio?

XOEX and QMAR have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XOEX or QMAR?

XOEX has higher volatility (4.07%) compared to QMAR (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XOEX dropped -14.68% vs QMAR's -19.83%.

Which ETF is better, XOEX or QMAR?

On 3-year performance, XOEX leads with 17.92% vs 15.65% for QMAR. On fees, XOEX is cheaper at 0.15% 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, XOEX or QMAR?

Over the 3-year period, XOEX has performed better with a 17.92% return vs 15.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XOEX or QMAR?

XOEX is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QMAR.

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

XOEX has the higher dividend yield at 1.48%, compared with 0.00% for QMAR.

What is the main difference between XOEX and QMAR?

XOEX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for XOEX and 0.90% for QMAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 2.30), 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.