Data as of .
FLJJ vs SQMX: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 FLJJ can fall 7.4% before its buffer engages and SQMX 0.6%, and SQMX resets 14 days sooner.
These are two different products. FLJJ is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. SQMX is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Where each one stands today
SQMX resets first, on Dec 18, 2026, 88 days from now; FLJJ runs to Dec 31, 2026, 102 days. FLJJ can still gain 4.3% before its cap, SQMX 2.4%. A fall from here reaches FLJJ’s buffer after 7.4% and SQMX’s after 0.6%. Both track SPY, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLJJ | SQMX | FLJJ | SQMX | |
| 3 months | +1.8% | +1.7% | −0.4 pts | −0.5 pts |
| 6 months | +9.1% | +4.6% | −8.9 pts | −13.4 pts |
| 1 year | +10.1% | +7.1% | −6.4 pts | −9.4 pts |
| FLJJ AllianzIM U.S. Equity Floor5 ETF - Jan Absorbs losses from 5.0% to 100.0% on SPY and caps the gain at 7.0%, over a period ending Dec 31, 2026 | SQMX FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF Absorbs the first 12% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 3.0%, over a period ending Dec 18, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | AllianzIM | First Trust |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 5% to 100% | 12% |
| Outcome period | Jul 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 | Sep 21, 2026 to Dec 18, 2026 |
| Days left | 102 | 88 |
| Starting cap | +7.0% | +3.0% |
| Can still gain | 4.3% | 2.4% |
| Fall before buffer | 7.4% | 0.6% |
| Protection left, index points | 95.0% of 95.0% | 12.5% of 12.5% |
| Index return this period | +3.6% | +1.6% |
| Fund return this period | +2.2% | +0.4% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.74% | 0.85% |
| Net assets | $9m | $80m |
FLJJ in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 4.3% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 7.4% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 8.3% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 95.0% of the 95.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 102 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Dec 31, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
SQMX in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 2.4% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 0.6% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 1.6% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 12.5% of the 12.5% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 88 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Dec 18, 2026 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, FLJJ or SQMX?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, FLJJ can gain about 4.3% before its cap and SQMX about 2.4%, so FLJJ has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, FLJJ or SQMX?
- FLJJ ends its outcome period on Dec 31, 2026 and SQMX on Dec 18, 2026. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, FLJJ or SQMX?
- FLJJ charges 0.74% a year and SQMX charges 0.85%, so FLJJ 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, FLJJ against SQMX, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/fljj-vs-sqmx Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.