CIBR vs QQQ
First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. CIBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CIBR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $14.0B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +44.97% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.06% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.69% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CIBR vs QQQ Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) 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 CIBR returned +41.06% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, CIBR is up 44.97% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, CIBR compounded at +31.69% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +16.43% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, CIBR has the edge at +16.07% annualized vs +13.15%. 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 21.8% for CIBR. 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 -33.9% for CIBR 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CIBR charges 0.58% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $18 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CIBR currently yields 0.46% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CIBR and QQQ share 8 holdings out of 137 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CIBR or QQQ?
CIBR has an expense ratio of 0.58% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CIBR or QQQ?
Over the past year CIBR returned +41.06% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so CIBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CIBR annualized +16.07% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CIBR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.8% for CIBR. Worst drawdown: CIBR -33.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CIBR and QQQ?
CIBR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CIBR and QQQ?
CIBR and QQQ share 8 common holdings with a 11.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CIBR or QQQ?
CIBR yields 0.46% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CIBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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