QDEC ETF: What Is It? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs
The FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December is a buffer product that tracks Nasdaq-100 gains up to a cap while cushioning part of the losses. The buffer and cap structure, the fees and the market outlook are the key points to check, comparison with other buffer ETFs is the main selection criterion, and the trading ticker is QDEC.
SubscribeWhat Is the FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December?
This is a defined outcome buffer ETF that is linked to the Nasdaq-100 Index, cushions an initial set range of losses over the outcome period, and limits gains to a predetermined cap. The outcome period resets in December.
It suits conservative investors who want to keep Nasdaq-100 exposure while reducing volatility through a set range of downside cushioning.
It is a passive (index-tracking) ETF managed by First Trust.
How Does the FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | Nasdaq-100 (defined outcome) |
| Management Style | Passive (option buffer) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Once a year (outcome period reset) |
| Dividend Frequency | Irregular |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.90% |
Using options based on an ETF that tracks the Nasdaq-100, the fund is designed to cushion an initial set range of losses over an outcome period of about one year starting in December, while participating in gains up to a predetermined cap. When the outcome period ends, it resets with a new buffer and cap.
- A defined outcome structure that cushions part of the downside
- A buffer and cap that are renewed with each outcome period
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) are $713.4M, and the total expense ratio is 0.90% per year.
Unlike a standard Nasdaq-100 ETF, it cushions part of the downside but caps the upside, and buying partway through the outcome period can change the remaining buffer and cap.
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeA buffer ETF follows the movement of the underlying Nasdaq-100, but its range of fluctuation is adjusted by the buffer and cap structure. In falling markets, the buffer tends to reduce losses, but in strong rallies the cap may prevent it from capturing the full index gain.
When market uncertainty rises, interest in buffer ETFs tends to grow as investors seek loss protection, while in bull markets, money that prioritizes upside participation sometimes moves to standard Nasdaq-100 ETFs.
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December Pros and Cons
Its strength is that it cushions part of the downside and reduces volatility, while the capped upside, dependence on the outcome period and the fee burden are its drawbacks.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December Alternative ETFs and Related Products
BUFR, BUFD, BUFQ and others shown in the table are diversified products that bundle several buffer ETFs in a ladder, and PJAN is a buffer ETF with a different outcome period. To spread outcome periods across Nasdaq buffers with different start months, you can also compare GAUG, which starts in August, and BALT, a buffered asset allocation product. These differ in underlying index, buffer range and start month, so it is best to choose according to your investment objective.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 BUFR | FT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF | $37.82 | -0.1% | $11.0B | 0.95% | - | +11.8% |
 SFLR | Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF | $39.46 | -0.6% | $2.3B | 0.89% | 0.24% | +7.4% |
 BUFD | FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF | $30.62 | -0.1% | $2.2B | 0.95% | - | +9.7% |
 BUFQ | FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF | $40.05 | -1.0% | $1.7B | 1.00% | - | +12.8% |
 FJAN | FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January | $57.06 | -0.0% | $1.5B | 0.85% | - | +12.4% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBOE | Cboe Global Markets Inc | 3.07% | $314.25 | -1.9% | $32.8B | 24.5 | 1% |
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF December Investor Checkpoints
These are points to review before investing in QDEC. As a buffer ETF, it is important to check the buffer range, cap, outcome period, fee level and the remaining terms when buying midway.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Cumulative impact of option-structure management fees | Somewhat high |
| 🛡️ Buffer Range | Check the range of losses cushioned | Set range cushioned |
| 🔝 Cap | Check the maximum gain you can participate in | Cap applies |
| 📅 Outcome Period | Check the remaining terms when buying midway | Period dependent |
Because gains are capped, it cannot capture the full Nasdaq-100 rally in a bull market, and buying partway through the outcome period can change the buffer and cap terms. The buffer applies only up to a set range, so declines beyond that lead to losses.
This is a buffer ETF suited to conservative investors who want to keep Nasdaq-100 exposure while reducing volatility through a set range of downside cushioning. If you prioritize upside participation, a standard Nasdaq-100 ETF may be the alternative, and if you prioritize downside cushioning, QDEC may be the alternative.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 4, 2026.
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