EMLP vs QQQ
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund 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 | EMLP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.86% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.65% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.83% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EMLP vs QQQ Performance
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) 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 EMLP returned +20.65% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EMLP is up 17.86% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EMLP compounded at +21.69% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +16.83% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +7.28%. 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 15.2% for EMLP. 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 -48.0% for EMLP 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMLP charges 0.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $18 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMLP currently yields 2.76% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EMLP and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 158 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMLP or QQQ?
EMLP has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMLP or QQQ?
Over the past year EMLP returned +20.65% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), EMLP annualized +7.28% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMLP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.2% for EMLP. Worst drawdown: EMLP -48.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EMLP and QQQ?
EMLP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMLP and QQQ?
EMLP and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMLP or QQQ?
EMLP yields 2.76% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.