FCA vs QQQ
First Trust China 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 | FCA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $32M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -6.10% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.41% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FCA vs QQQ Performance
First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) 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 FCA returned +3.90% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, FCA is down 6.10% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, FCA compounded at +16.32% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +0.88%. 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 25.2% for FCA. 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 -47.6% for FCA 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCA 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, FCA currently yields 2.86% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FCA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 152 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, FCA or QQQ?
FCA 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, FCA or QQQ?
Over the past year FCA returned +3.90% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FCA annualized +0.88% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.2% for FCA. Worst drawdown: FCA -47.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FCA and QQQ?
FCA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCA and QQQ?
FCA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCA or QQQ?
FCA yields 2.86% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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