FCG vs QQQ
First Trust Natural Gas ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FCG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $611M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +26.26% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.53% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.16% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.61% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FCG vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) 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 FCG returned +33.53% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, FCG is up 26.26% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, FCG compounded at +7.16% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.61% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs -5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.9% 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 -97.6% for FCG 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCG charges 0.57% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $18 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCG currently yields 2.24% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FCG and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 144 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FCG | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FANG | 4.14% | 0.24% | 3.90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCG or QQQ?
FCG has an expense ratio of 0.57% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCG or QQQ?
Over the past year FCG returned +33.53% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so FCG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FCG annualized -5.30% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCG or QQQ?
FCG has been the more volatile fund at 40.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: FCG -97.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FCG and QQQ?
FCG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCG and QQQ?
FCG and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 144 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCG or QQQ?
FCG yields 2.24% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FCG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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