BGLD vs QQQ
FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer 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 | BGLD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $53M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.99% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.83% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.39% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BGLD vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) 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 BGLD returned +13.83% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, BGLD is up 0.99% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, BGLD compounded at +21.16% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.39% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +10.18%. 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 10.3% for BGLD. 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 -16.2% for BGLD 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGLD charges 0.91% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $18 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGLD currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGLD or QQQ?
BGLD has an expense ratio of 0.91% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGLD or QQQ?
Over the past year BGLD returned +13.83% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BGLD annualized +10.18% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGLD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.3% for BGLD. Worst drawdown: BGLD -16.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BGLD and QQQ?
BGLD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGLD or QQQ?
BGLD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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