YMAR vs. QMAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

YMAR (FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - YMAR is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. YMAR is passively managed, while QMAR is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, YMAR returned 6.42%/yr vs 11.30%/yr for QMAR. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.90% expense ratio.

Performance

YMAR vs. QMAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (YMAR) 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, YMAR achieves a 5.63% return, which is significantly lower than QMAR's 11.40% return.

YMAR

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 5.63%
• 6M: 5.65%
• 1Y: 13.48%
• 3Y*: 11.01%
• 5Y*: 6.42%
• 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)

YMAR vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
YMAR FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March	5.63%	18.55%	3.12%	16.31%	-8.46%	3.11%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	11.40%	10.89%	16.11%	35.47%	-16.56%	12.87%

Correlation

The correlation between YMAR and QMAR is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2021	0.61

The correlation between YMAR and QMAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

YMAR vs. QMAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	YMAR	QMAR
Financial Services	24.3%	0.2%
Industrials	19.5%	2.6%
Technology	11.5%	58.7%
Healthcare	10.4%	3.7%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.6%	6.4%
Basic Materials	6.1%	1.0%
Communication Services	4.8%	14.3%
Energy	3.7%	0.5%
Utilities	3.7%	1.2%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.1%

Return for Risk

YMAR vs. QMAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

YMAR

YMAR Risk / Return Rank: 74
YMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
YMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
YMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 71
YMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
YMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

YMAR vs. QMAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (YMAR) 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.

	YMAR	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	3.19	-1.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	4.77	-1.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.74	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.21	6.49	-2.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.95	39.78	-22.83

YMAR vs. QMAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YMAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is lower than the QMAR Sharpe Ratio of 3.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YMAR 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

YMAR vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YMAR drawdown since its inception was -22.60%, which is greater than QMAR's maximum drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YMAR and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	YMAR	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.60%	-19.83%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.21%	-3.21%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.37%	-15.91%	+6.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.60%	-19.83%	-2.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-1.65%	+1.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.00%	-3.26%	-0.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.80%	0.52%	+0.28%

Volatility

YMAR vs. QMAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (YMAR) is 2.21%, while FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that YMAR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QMAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YMAR	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.21%	2.92%	-0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.57%	5.59%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.09%	6.55%	+0.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.37%	14.01%	-2.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.24%	13.83%	-2.59%

YMAR vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both YMAR and QMAR have an expense ratio of 0.90%.

Dividends

YMAR vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither YMAR nor QMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YMAR and QMAR in my portfolio?

YMAR and QMAR have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YMAR or QMAR?

QMAR has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to YMAR (2.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YMAR dropped -22.60% vs QMAR's -19.83%.

Which ETF is better, YMAR or QMAR?

On 5-year performance, QMAR leads with 11.30% vs 6.42% for YMAR. Both ETFs have the same 0.90% expense ratio. On volatility, YMAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YMAR or QMAR?

Over the 5-year period, QMAR has performed better with a 11.30% return vs 6.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YMAR or QMAR?

YMAR and QMAR have the same expense ratio: 0.90% per year.

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

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

What is the main difference between YMAR and QMAR?

YMAR is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QMAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 1.91), 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.