AIRR vs QQQ
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIRR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $10.8B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.60% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.67% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.66% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.62% | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AIRR vs QQQ Performance
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AIRR returned +21.67% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, AIRR is up 9.60% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Over three years, AIRR compounded at +27.66% per year against +25.47% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +21.62% and +14.34% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, AIRR has the edge at +14.99% annualized vs +13.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 24.2% for AIRR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -42.4% for AIRR and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIRR charges 0.69% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $18 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIRR currently yields 0.09% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AIRR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 159 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIRR or QQQ?
AIRR has an expense ratio of 0.69% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIRR or QQQ?
Over the past year AIRR returned +21.67% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), AIRR annualized +14.99% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIRR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.2% for AIRR. Worst drawdown: AIRR -42.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AIRR and QQQ?
AIRR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIRR and QQQ?
AIRR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 159 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIRR or QQQ?
AIRR yields 0.09% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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