FQAL vs FTKI
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF vs First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF
Quick Verdict
FQAL has a lower expense ratio. FTKI delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTKI offers more diversification with 150 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | FTKI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.86% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 12.39% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 150 | |
| YTD Return | +12.00% | +13.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.57% | +19.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.63% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 10.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -15.2% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Feb 26, 2025 |
FQAL vs FTKI Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FQAL returned +18.57% while FTKI returned +19.70%. Year to date, FQAL is up 12.00% versus a gain of 13.41% for FTKI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -34.1% for FQAL and -15.2% for FTKI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while FTKI charges 0.86%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $86 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.15% against 12.39% for FTKI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FQAL or FTKI?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while FTKI charges 0.86%. FQAL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or FTKI?
Over the past year FQAL returned +18.57% vs +19.70% for FTKI, so FTKI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FQAL annualized +13.71% vs +12.64% for FTKI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or FTKI?
FQAL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs FTKI -15.2%.
Should I hold both FQAL and FTKI?
FQAL and FTKI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FQAL and FTKI?
FQAL and FTKI share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 267 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or FTKI?
FQAL yields 1.15% while FTKI yields 12.39%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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