QCJA vs QSPT
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - January vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, QCJA or QSPT?
QSPT has been ahead.
QSPT led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCJA | QSPT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90%Tie | 0.90%Tie |
| AUM | $75M | $721M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.70% | +14.93%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.92% | +17.64%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.96% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.63% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8%Best | 10.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.7%Best | -15.4% |
| $10,000 over 1.7 years | $12,002 | $12,861Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jan 17, 2025 | Sep 17, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 21, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.7 years).
QCJA vs QSPT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.7 years both funds cover.
QCJA vs QSPT Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - January (QCJA) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - September (QSPT) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QCJA returned +11.92% while QSPT returned +17.64%. Year to date, QCJA is up 8.70% versus a gain of 14.93% for QSPT.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QSPT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.7% compared with 6.8% for QCJA. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.7% for QCJA and -15.4% for QSPT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCJA charges 0.90% per year while QSPT charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $90 annually. On income, QCJA currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for QSPT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QCJA and QSPT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCJA or QSPT?
QCJA has an expense ratio of 0.90% while QSPT charges 0.90%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, QCJA or QSPT?
Over the past year QCJA returned +11.92% vs +17.64% for QSPT, so QSPT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QCJA annualized +11.33% vs +15.95% for QSPT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QCJA or QSPT?
QSPT has been the more volatile fund at 10.7% annualized versus 6.8% for QCJA. Worst drawdown: QCJA -10.7% vs QSPT -15.4%.
Should I hold both QCJA and QSPT?
QCJA and QSPT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCJA or QSPT?
QCJA yields 0.00% while QSPT yields 0.00%, so QSPT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QSPT better than QCJA?
QSPT led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.