SQMX vs XYLD
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF vs Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF
Which is better, SQMX or XYLD?
XYLD has been ahead.
XYLD has a lower expense ratio. XYLD led over 1Y and the full window.
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 | SQMX | XYLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.60%Best |
| AUM | $55M | $3.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 10.44% |
| Holdings | 10 | 1,014 |
| YTD Return | +4.77% | +11.42%Best |
| 1Y Return | +7.41% | +18.43%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.38% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +7.59% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8%Best | 6.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -7.4%Best | -16.1% |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $11,346 | $11,947Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Global X by mirae Asset |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2024 | Jun 21, 2013 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).
SQMX vs XYLD 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 1.8 years both funds cover.
SQMX vs XYLD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year SQMX returned +7.41% while XYLD returned +18.43%. Year to date, SQMX is up 4.77% versus a gain of 11.42% for XYLD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.7% compared with 2.8% for SQMX. 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 -7.4% for SQMX and -16.1% for XYLD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SQMX charges 0.85% per year while XYLD charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $60 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SQMX currently yields 0.00% against 10.44% for XYLD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SQMX and XYLD 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, SQMX or XYLD?
SQMX has an expense ratio of 0.85% while XYLD charges 0.60%. XYLD is the cheaper option, by $25 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SQMX or XYLD?
Over the past year SQMX returned +7.41% vs +18.43% for XYLD, so XYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SQMX annualized +7.27% vs +10.39% for XYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SQMX or XYLD?
XYLD has been the more volatile fund at 6.7% annualized versus 2.8% for SQMX. Worst drawdown: SQMX -7.4% vs XYLD -16.1%.
Should I hold both SQMX and XYLD?
SQMX and XYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SQMX or XYLD?
SQMX yields 0.00% while XYLD yields 10.44%, so XYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XYLD better than SQMX?
XYLD has a lower expense ratio. XYLD led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.