FBZ vs QQQ
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX 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 | FBZ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $7M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.73% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +27.43% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.54% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 79.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FBZ vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund (FBZ) 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 FBZ returned +6.54% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FBZ is up 27.43% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, FBZ compounded at +13.18% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.84% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 79.6% 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 -87.5% for FBZ 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBZ charges 0.80% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $18 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBZ currently yields 3.73% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FBZ or QQQ?
FBZ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBZ or QQQ?
Over the past year FBZ returned +6.54% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), FBZ annualized -0.89% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBZ or QQQ?
FBZ has been the more volatile fund at 79.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: FBZ -87.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FBZ and QQQ?
FBZ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBZ or QQQ?
FBZ yields 3.73% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FBZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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