FFC vs QQQ
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FFC offers more diversification with 184 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FFC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $829M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.03% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.24% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.58% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.52% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2003 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FFC vs QQQ Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated (FFC) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FFC returned +7.58% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, FFC is up 2.24% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, FFC compounded at +13.43% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.52% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs -0.11%. 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 19.9% for FFC. 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 -84.5% for FFC 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFC charges 1.23% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $18 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFC currently yields 7.03% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FFC and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 286 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 FFC | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XEL | 0.40% | 0.22% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFC or QQQ?
FFC has an expense ratio of 1.23% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFC or QQQ?
Over the past year FFC returned +7.58% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), FFC annualized -0.11% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.9% for FFC. Worst drawdown: FFC -84.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FFC and QQQ?
FFC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FFC and QQQ?
FFC and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 286 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFC or QQQ?
FFC yields 7.03% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FFC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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