Data as of .
DDNQ vs DQSE: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 DQSE can fall 2.3% before its buffer engages and DDNQ 1.8%, and DDNQ resets 352 days sooner.
They do not reset together. DDNQ has 9 days of its period left and DQSE has 361, so the two are not the same bet on the same months.
Where each one stands today
DDNQ resets first, on Sep 30, 2026, 9 days from now; DQSE runs to Sep 17, 2027, 361 days. DDNQ can still gain 5.5% before its cap, DQSE 16.2%. A fall from here reaches DDNQ’s buffer after 1.8% and DQSE’s after 2.3%. Both track QQQ, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDNQ | DQSE | DDNQ | DQSE | |
| 3 months | +1.4% | not published | +3.9 pts | not published |
| 6 months | +7.4% | not published | −16.9 pts | not published |
| DDNQ Innovator Growth-100 Dual Directional 5 Buffer ETF - Quarterly Absorbs the first 5% of loss on QQQ and caps the gain at 7.5%, over a period ending Sep 30, 2026 | DQSE FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Dual Directional Buffer ETF - September Absorbs the first 0% to 10% of loss on QQQ and caps the gain at 18.8%, over a period ending Sep 17, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | First Trust |
| Reference index | QQQ | QQQ |
| Buffer | 5% | 0% to 10% |
| Outcome period | Jun 30, 2026 to Sep 30, 2026 | Sep 21, 2026 to Sep 17, 2027 |
| Days left | 9 | 361 |
| Starting cap | +7.5% | +18.8% |
| Can still gain | 5.5% | 16.2% |
| Fall before buffer | 1.8% | 2.3% |
| Protection left, index points | 5.0% of 5.0% | 10.0% of 10.0% |
| Index return this period | +0.6% | +2.6% |
| Fund return this period | +1.6% | +1.4% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.90% |
| Net assets | $25m | $1m |
DDNQ in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 5.5% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.8% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, QQQ can fall 0.6% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 5.0% of the 5.0% buffer still sits below today's QQQ level. 9 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Sep 30, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
DQSE in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 16.2% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 2.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, QQQ can fall 2.6% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 10.0% of the 10.0% buffer still sits below today's QQQ level. 361 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Sep 17, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DDNQ or DQSE?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, DDNQ can gain about 5.5% before its cap and DQSE about 16.2%, so DQSE has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DDNQ or DQSE?
- DDNQ ends its outcome period on Sep 30, 2026 and DQSE on Sep 17, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DDNQ or DQSE?
- DDNQ charges 0.79% a year and DQSE charges 0.90%, so DDNQ is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, DDNQ against DQSE, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/ddnq-vs-dqse Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.