FLAG vs QQQ
Global X S&P 500 US Market Leaders Top 50 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 | FLAG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -20.87% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.16% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 15, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLAG vs QQQ Performance
Global X S&P 500 US Market Leaders Top 50 ETF (FLAG) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, FLAG is down 20.87% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 13.6% for FLAG. 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 -43.9% for FLAG 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAG charges 0.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAG currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLAG and QQQ share 12 holdings out of 127 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAG or QQQ?
FLAG has an expense ratio of 0.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAG or QQQ?
Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FLAG annualized -10.23% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.6% for FLAG. Worst drawdown: FLAG -43.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLAG and QQQ?
FLAG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAG and QQQ?
FLAG and QQQ share 12 common holdings with a 12.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAG or QQQ?
FLAG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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