AUGM vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - August 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AUGM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $32M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.85% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.21% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AUGM vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - August (AUGM) 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 AUGM returned +6.21% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, AUGM is up 3.85% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.8% for AUGM. 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 -4.3% for AUGM 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AUGM charges 0.85% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $18 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AUGM currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AUGM or QQQ?
AUGM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AUGM or QQQ?
Over the past year AUGM returned +6.21% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AUGM annualized +6.49% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AUGM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.8% for AUGM. Worst drawdown: AUGM -4.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AUGM and QQQ?
AUGM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, AUGM or QQQ?
AUGM yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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