Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBUFEQQQWinner
Expense Ratio1.05%0.18%
AUM$4M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings4108
YTD Return+3.85%+18.20%
1Y Return-+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)-30.6%
Max Drawdown-5.6%-83.0%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 7, 2026Mar 10, 1999

BUFE vs QQQ Performance

FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Year to date, BUFE is up 3.85% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.6% for BUFE and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BUFE charges 1.05% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $18 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFE currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BUFE and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 107 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, BUFE or QQQ?

BUFE has an expense ratio of 1.05% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between BUFE and QQQ?

BUFE and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 107 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BUFE or QQQ?

BUFE yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.