FID vs QQQ
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FID | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $165M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.82% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.65% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.23% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FID vs QQQ Performance
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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 FID returned +20.82% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, FID is up 13.80% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, FID compounded at +19.65% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.23% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +6.58%. 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 16.6% for FID. 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 -39.8% for FID 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FID charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FID currently yields 3.99% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FID and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 176 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, FID or QQQ?
FID has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FID or QQQ?
Over the past year FID returned +20.82% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FID annualized +6.58% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FID or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for FID. Worst drawdown: FID -39.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FID and QQQ?
FID and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FID and QQQ?
FID and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 176 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FID or QQQ?
FID yields 3.99% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FID currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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