Illumina, Inc. vs First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $278.99 (market cap $39.95B), while First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund trades at $331.15 (market cap $4.10B). The key difference: Illumina, Inc. is far larger — about 9.7× First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund's market cap, and First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund is more actively traded (264,303 versus 3,169,503). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Illumina, Inc. for 83 Days and First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund for 40 Days on average.
| ILMN | QTEC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $39.95B | $4.10B |
Volume | 3,169,503 | 264,303 |
Sector | Health | Broad Market / Factor |
52-Week High | $293.69 | $340.28 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $207.03 |
Typical Hold Time | 83 Days | 40 Days |
Enterprise Value | $41.31B | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Illumina (ILMN) trades at $278.17, up 3.89% today and near its 52-week high of $278.99. The stock shows strong technical momentum with bullish moving averages and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent inclusion in the S&P 500 and positive analyst upgrades reflect growing institutional confidence. Revenue remains stable at $4.34B for 2025 with improved profitability, delivering $850M net income after previous losses.
The outlook remains positive with sequencing growth and AI initiatives driving momentum, though elevated valuation ratios and China market headwinds present risks. Analyst consensus leans bullish with 54% buy ratings, but the current price exceeds the $241 consensus target, suggesting near-term consolidation potential before further upside.
QTEC, the First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector ETF, trades at $335.82, down 1.31% on the day. Technical indicators show a bullish trend from moving averages but caution from overbought RSI levels. The ETF provides equal-weighted exposure to the technology sector, with recent analysis highlighting its broader sector definition and liquidity advantages.
The outlook for QTEC is supported by bullish technical trends and its role in tech exposure, though overbought conditions and sector volatility present risks. Investment opportunity lies in diversified tech access, but investors face market sensitivity and valuation pressures inherent to technology stocks.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Illumina provides tools and services to analyze genetic material with life science and clinical lab applications. The company generates over 90% of its revenue from sequencing instruments, consumables, and services. Illumina's high-throughput technology enables whole genome sequencing in humans and other large organisms. Its lower throughput tools enable applications that require smaller data outputs, such as viral and cancer tumor screening. Illumina also sells microarrays (less than 10% of sales) that enable lower-cost, focused genetic screening with primarily consumer and agricultural applications.
Read more on ILMN →QTEC is an ETF that seeks to track the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index. The fund provides targeted exposure to companies within the NASDAQ-100 that are classified as technology or telecommunications companies, focusing on firms involved in software, hardware, and related services. QTEC is a tool for investors seeking focused exposure to high-growth, large-cap technology companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange.
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