FLN vs QQQ
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $39M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.30% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLN vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) 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 FLN returned +27.27% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, FLN is up 9.30% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLN compounded at +13.40% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +0.22%. 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 26.1% for FLN. 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 -67.7% for FLN 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLN charges 0.80% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $18 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLN currently yields 3.38% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLN and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 153 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, FLN or QQQ?
FLN has an expense ratio of 0.80% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLN or QQQ?
Over the past year FLN returned +27.27% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so FLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLN annualized +0.22% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 26.1% for FLN. Worst drawdown: FLN -67.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLN and QQQ?
FLN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLN and QQQ?
FLN and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 153 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLN or QQQ?
FLN yields 3.38% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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