FGSI vs QQQ
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF 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 | FGSI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.24% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.51% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.05% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FGSI vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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 FGSI returned +11.05% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FGSI is up 10.51% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 8.8% for FGSI. 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 -8.6% for FGSI 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSI 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, FGSI currently yields 8.24% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FGSI and QQQ share 21 holdings out of 131 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGSI or QQQ?
FGSI 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, FGSI or QQQ?
Over the past year FGSI returned +11.05% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FGSI annualized +12.51% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.8% for FGSI. Worst drawdown: FGSI -8.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FGSI and QQQ?
FGSI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSI and QQQ?
FGSI and QQQ share 21 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSI or QQQ?
FGSI yields 8.24% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FGSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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