FAUG vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - August 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 | FAUG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.43% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.01% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.01% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.15% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FAUG vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - August (FAUG) 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 FAUG returned +14.01% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, FAUG is up 8.43% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, FAUG compounded at +14.01% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.15% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +10.00%. 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 10.8% for FAUG. 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 -22.3% for FAUG 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAUG 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, FAUG currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FAUG 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, FAUG or QQQ?
FAUG 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, FAUG or QQQ?
Over the past year FAUG returned +14.01% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), FAUG annualized +10.00% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAUG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.8% for FAUG. Worst drawdown: FAUG -22.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FAUG and QQQ?
FAUG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAUG and QQQ?
FAUG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAUG or QQQ?
FAUG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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