QMAR ETF: What Is It? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March tracks Nasdaq 100 gains up to a cap while cushioning a portion of losses. Key points to check are the buffer and cap structure, the expense ratio, and the market outlook, and comparing it with other buffer ETFs is a useful selection criterion. Its trading ticker is QMAR.
SubscribeWhat Is the FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March?
This is a defined outcome buffer ETF that is linked to the Nasdaq 100 Index. Over its outcome period, it cushions an initial range of losses and limits gains to a predetermined cap. The outcome period resets in March.
It suits conservative investors who want to keep Nasdaq 100 exposure while reducing volatility through a cushion against a set range of declines.
It is a passive (index-tracking) ETF managed by First Trust.
How Do You Invest in the FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Underlying Index | Nasdaq 100 (defined outcome) |
| Management Style | Passive (options 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 so that, over an outcome period of about one year starting in March, it cushions an initial range of losses and participates 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 a portion of declines
- A buffer and cap that are renewed each outcome period
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fees)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $619.8M, and the total expense ratio (Expense Ratio) is 0.90% per year.
Unlike a standard Nasdaq 100 ETF, it cushions part of the downside, but gains are limited by the cap, and if you buy partway through an outcome period, the remaining buffer and cap may differ.
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March 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 participation in gains sometimes moves to standard Nasdaq 100 ETFs.
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March Pros and Cons
Its strength is that it reduces volatility by cushioning part of the downside, while its weaknesses are the capped upside, dependence on the outcome period, and the cost burden.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March Alternative and Related ETFs
BUFR, BUFD, BUFQ and others shown in the table are diversified products that bundle multiple buffer ETFs in a ladder, and PJAN is a buffer ETF with a different outcome period. To spread outcome periods across Nasdaq buffer ETFs with other start months, you can also compare QJUN (June start), GAUG (August start), and the buffered asset allocation product BALT. These differ in underlying index, buffer size, 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 | $36.66 | -3.0% | $11.1B | 0.95% | - | +8.8% |
 SFLR | Innovator Equity Managed Floor ETF | $37.82 | -3.6% | $2.2B | 0.89% | 0.25% | +3.1% |
 BUFD | FT Vest Laddered Deep Buffer ETF | $29.91 | -2.3% | $2.2B | 0.95% | - | +7.5% |
 BUFQ | FT Vest Laddered Nasdaq Buffer ETF | $37.66 | -4.3% | $1.7B | 1.00% | - | +6.8% |
 FJAN | FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January | $55.40 | -2.8% | $1.5B | 0.85% | - | +9.4% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBOE | Cboe Global Markets Inc | 3.27% | $353.07 | +2.3% | $36.8B | 25.1 | 0.9% |
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF March Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in QMAR. As a buffer ETF, it is important to check the buffer size, cap, outcome period, expense level, and the remaining terms for a mid-period purchase in advance.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Cumulative impact of options structure management fees | Somewhat high |
| 🛡️ Buffer Size | Confirm the range of losses that is cushioned | Cushions a set range |
| 🔝 Cap | Confirm the maximum gain you can participate in | Cap applies |
| 📅 Outcome Period | Confirm the remaining terms for a mid-period purchase | Period dependent |
Because gains are limited by the cap, the fund cannot capture the full Nasdaq 100 rally in a bull market, and buying partway through an outcome period may change the buffer and cap terms. The buffer applies only up to a set range, so declines beyond it result in losses.
This is a buffer ETF suited to conservative investors who want to keep Nasdaq 100 exposure while reducing volatility through a cushion against a set range of declines. If participation in gains is your priority, a standard Nasdaq 100 ETF may be the better choice, and if downside cushioning is your priority, QMAR can be an 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 5, 2026.
Today's 5 AI picks, all free