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QQQ or QTR or QYLG
Which ETF would AI Choose? Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) vs. Global X Nasdaq 100® Tail Risk ETF (QTR) vs. Global X Nasdaq 100® Covered Call & Growth ETF (QYLG)
Key Takeaways
- Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) provides direct, uncapped exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index through a passive structure with the lowest expense ratio among the three at 0.18%.
- Global X Nasdaq 100® Tail Risk ETF (QTR) overlays quarterly protective put options on Nasdaq-100 holdings to mitigate tail-risk drawdowns exceeding approximately 10%, at a 0.25% expense ratio.
- Global X Nasdaq 100® Covered Call & Growth ETF (QYLG) implements a half covered-call strategy on Nasdaq-100 stocks to generate income while retaining partial upside, carrying the highest expense ratio at 0.35%.
- All three ETFs maintain similar core holdings concentrated in technology and growth sectors but differ materially in risk management and income features.
- QQQ offers the broadest liquidity and lowest cost for investors seeking pure Nasdaq-100 beta, while QTR and QYLG introduce options overlays that alter return profiles in different market regimes.
- Structural distinctions in options usage create varying sensitivities to volatility, making each ETF suitable for distinct investor objectives within the same underlying index theme.
Introduction
These three exchange-traded funds (ETFs) all center on the Nasdaq-100 Index yet employ distinct structural approaches to deliver exposure. Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) tracks the index directly. Global X Nasdaq 100® Tail Risk ETF (QTR) adds downside protection via puts. Global X Nasdaq 100® Covered Call & Growth ETF (QYLG) layers income generation through covered calls. Investors comparing them evaluate trade-offs between cost, volatility management, and yield potential in a technology-heavy growth universe.
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) Overview
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a passively managed ETF that seeks to replicate the price and yield performance of the Nasdaq-100 Index before fees and expenses. The fund holds approximately 100 to 105 large-capitalization, non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq, with heavy weighting toward technology, consumer discretionary, and communication services sectors. Top holdings typically include Microsoft Corp., Apple Inc., NVIDIA Corp., Amazon.com Inc., and Meta Platforms Inc. The expense ratio stands at 0.18%. As an open-ended ETF structure, it offers high liquidity and full replication of the index constituents without options overlays or active management.
Global X Nasdaq 100® Tail Risk ETF (QTR) Overview
Global X Nasdaq 100® Tail Risk ETF (QTR) is a passively managed fund that tracks the Nasdaq-100 Quarterly Protective Put 90 Index. It maintains full exposure to Nasdaq-100 constituents while purchasing quarterly out-of-the-money put options on the index to buffer against declines exceeding roughly 10% from the option purchase date to expiration. The fund holds approximately 103 securities and carries an expense ratio of 0.25%. This options-based overlay introduces a cost that reduces upside capture in strong bull markets but aims to limit severe drawdowns. Rebalancing occurs quarterly in line with the underlying index methodology.
Global X Nasdaq 100® Covered Call & Growth ETF (QYLG) Overview
Global X Nasdaq 100® Covered Call & Growth ETF (QYLG) follows the Cboe Nasdaq-100 Half BuyWrite V2 Index through a covered-call strategy. The fund holds Nasdaq-100 stocks and sells call options on approximately 50% of the portfolio value, retaining uncapped upside on the remaining half. It maintains around 103 holdings with an expense ratio of 0.35%. Monthly distributions result from option premiums, though distributions may include return of capital. The half-coverage design balances income generation with partial participation in index rallies, with rebalancing aligned to the index rules.
Industry and Thematic Landscape
The Nasdaq-100 Index remains dominated by technology and growth-oriented companies, driven by innovation in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, and digital advertising. Macroeconomic factors such as interest-rate trajectories, corporate earnings growth in mega-cap technology firms, and capital flows into growth equities influence all three ETFs. Regulatory developments around technology platforms and geopolitical tensions affecting semiconductor supply chains represent ongoing sector risks. Recent market cycles have highlighted the index's sensitivity to volatility spikes and rotation between growth and value styles.
Performance and Positioning Comparison
In recent weeks and months, Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) has exhibited the highest sensitivity to Nasdaq-100 movements due to its unhedged structure, delivering full upside and downside participation. Global X Nasdaq 100® Tail Risk ETF (QTR) has shown moderated drawdowns during volatility spikes thanks to its protective puts, at the expense of some upside in rallies. Global X Nasdaq 100® Covered Call & Growth ETF (QYLG) has generated steadier income but capped gains on half the portfolio, resulting in lower volatility than QQQ yet higher than QTR in certain regimes. Structural differences in options usage explain these relative behaviors across market cycles.
AI Screener
Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener helps identify trade ideas, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable structural strength, diversification profile, cost efficiency, momentum stability, and risk-adjusted positioning, Tickeron’s AI would currently assign the highest probabilistic favorability to Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) for investors prioritizing low-cost, direct Nasdaq-100 exposure without options drag. Global X Nasdaq 100® Tail Risk ETF (QTR) ranks as a secondary consideration for those emphasizing downside buffering, while Global X Nasdaq 100® Covered Call & Growth ETF (QYLG) suits income-focused mandates despite higher fees.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
QQQ sees MACD Histogram just turned negative
QQQ saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 13, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 42 of the 46 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QQQ as a result. In 73 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 87%.
QQQ moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for QQQ crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 15 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 90%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QQQ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where QQQ's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 24 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 7 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +1.34% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QQQ advanced for three days, in 313 of 368 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
QQQ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 316 of 353 cases where QQQ Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 90%.
QTR in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026
QTR moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 31 of 35 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 89%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QTR as a result. In 62 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QTR turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 40 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 40 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 73%.
The 10-day moving average for QTR crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QTR declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where QTR's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 17 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 7 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +1.23% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QTR advanced for three days, in 207 of 257 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
QTR may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 291 of 331 cases where QTR Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 88%.
Momentum Indicator for QYLG turns negative, indicating new downward trend
QYLG saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 82 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 66 of the 82 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QYLG turned negative on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 54 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 42 of the 54 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 78%.
QYLG moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QYLG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where QYLG's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 27 of 31 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +0.78% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QYLG advanced for three days, in 289 of 354 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
QYLG may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 345 of 394 cases where QYLG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 88%.
| QQQ | QTR | QYLG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 87% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 89% | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 86% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 87% | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 80% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 78% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 77% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 85% | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 83% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 19 days ago 85% | 19 days ago 81% | 4 days ago 82% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 77% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 88% | 2 days ago 86% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 88% | 2 days ago 88% |
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| BUFI | 42.04 | -0.14 | -0.33% |
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| SMYY | 5.45 | -0.10 | -1.75% |
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QTR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QTR has been loosely correlated with SWKS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 61% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if QTR jumps, then SWKS could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QTR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QTR | 100% | -0.03% | ||
| SWKS - QTR | 61% Loosely correlated | +1.26% | ||
| ZM - QTR | 54% Loosely correlated | -0.45% | ||
| VRSN - QTR | 38% Loosely correlated | -1.40% | ||
| DOCU - QTR | 38% Loosely correlated | +1.02% | ||
| OKTA - QTR | 37% Loosely correlated | +5.82% | ||
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QYLG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QYLG has been loosely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if QYLG jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QYLG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QYLG | 100% | -0.03% | ||
| LRCX - QYLG | 63% Loosely correlated | -0.02% | ||
| AMD - QYLG | 60% Loosely correlated | +1.74% | ||
| AMAT - QYLG | 60% Loosely correlated | +0.44% | ||
| KLAC - QYLG | 60% Loosely correlated | -1.50% | ||
| NVDA - QYLG | 57% Loosely correlated | -0.59% | ||
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