FMAR vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March 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 | FMAR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.04% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.35% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.43% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.71% | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FMAR vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) 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 FMAR returned +16.35% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, FMAR is up 12.04% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, FMAR compounded at +14.43% per year against +26.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.71% and +15.34% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +11.32%. 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 9.0% for FMAR. 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 -14.4% for FMAR 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAR 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, FMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FMAR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, FMAR or QQQ?
FMAR 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, FMAR or QQQ?
Over the past year FMAR returned +16.35% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FMAR annualized +11.32% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMAR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.0% for FMAR. Worst drawdown: FMAR -14.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FMAR and QQQ?
FMAR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMAR and QQQ?
FMAR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAR or QQQ?
FMAR yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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