DOCT vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October 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 | DOCT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $382M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.36% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.81% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.54% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.00% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 50.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DOCT vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT) 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 DOCT returned +12.81% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, DOCT is up 7.36% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, DOCT compounded at +10.54% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.00% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DOCT has the edge at +24.86% annualized vs +13.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DOCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 50.3% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -9.9% for DOCT 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DOCT 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, DOCT currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DOCT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, DOCT or QQQ?
DOCT 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, DOCT or QQQ?
Over the past year DOCT returned +12.81% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DOCT annualized +24.86% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DOCT or QQQ?
DOCT has been the more volatile fund at 50.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: DOCT -9.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DOCT and QQQ?
DOCT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DOCT and QQQ?
DOCT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DOCT or QQQ?
DOCT yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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