First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund vs BlackRock TCP Capital Corp — how do they compare? First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund trades at $306.13, while BlackRock TCP Capital Corp trades at $3.2 (market cap $271.84M). The key difference: BlackRock TCP Capital Corp pays a 25.93% dividend while First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund pays none, and First Trust NASDAQ 100 Technology Index Fund is trading nearer its 52-week high, BlackRock TCP Capital Corp nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| QTEC | TCPC | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Financials |
52-Week High | $335.74 | $7.64 |
52-Week Low | $207.03 | $3.14 |
Market Cap | — | $271.84M |
Dividend Yield | — | 25.93% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
QTEC, the First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector ETF, trades at $301.50, up 0.53% on the day. The technical outlook is bearish, with moving averages signaling a downtrend and key support at $285. Recent news highlights its role as a smart beta ETF providing broad technology sector exposure since its 2006 launch, though some reports question if recent large sales signal caution around overheated AI and chip stocks.
The ETF's outlook is clouded by bearish technicals and sector concentration risks, but its equal-weighted access to top tech firms offers targeted exposure. Key risks include market volatility and sector-specific headwinds, while the neutral oscillator readings suggest potential for stabilization near current levels.
TCPC trades at $3.21, down 3.02% today, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported negative revenue and net losses in 2025, though it beat Q1 2026 EPS estimates. A dividend of $0.17 per share is scheduled for June 30, 2026. Analyst consensus is mixed, with 31% buy ratings but 54% hold, reflecting caution amid financial challenges and an ongoing legal investigation into fiduciary duties.
The outlook remains cautious due to persistent negative earnings and revenue trends, with profitability metrics like ROE at -18.74% indicating weak shareholder returns. Risks include the shareholder lawsuit and competitive pressures in the BDC sector. Near-term focus is on the Q2 2026 earnings report due August 6, 2026, which could influence sentiment.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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.
Read more on QTEC →BlackRock TCP Capital Corp is a finance company specializing in middle-market lending. It aims for high returns through income and capital appreciation while prioritizing principal protection. The company invests in debt securities and earns revenue from interest payments, fees, and some equity appreciation.
Read more on TCPC →