FMF vs QQQ
First Trust Managed Futures Strategy Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, FMF or QQQ?
Market Neutral Strategy against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMF | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $274M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 10 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +11.15% | +16.87%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.37% | +22.98%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.28% | +24.98%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.63% | +14.39%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3%Best | 17.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,150 | $19,586Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Market Neutral Strategy | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 2, 2013 to Sep 11, 2026 (13.1 years).
FMF vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
FMF vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Managed Futures Strategy Fund (FMF) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FMF returned +14.37% while QQQ returned +22.98%. Year to date, FMF is up 11.15% versus a gain of 16.87% for QQQ.
Over three years, FMF compounded at +6.28% per year against +24.98% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.63% and +14.39% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +18.83% annualized vs +1.70%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% compared with 7.3% for FMF. 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 -24.8% for FMF and -35.1% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.02. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMF charges 0.98% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $18 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMF currently yields 5.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMF and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FMF or QQQ?
FMF has an expense ratio of 0.98% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FMF or QQQ?
Over the past year FMF returned +14.37% vs +22.98% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FMF annualized +1.70% vs +18.83% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 7.3% for FMF. Worst drawdown: FMF -24.8% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both FMF and QQQ?
FMF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMF or QQQ?
FMF yields 5.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than FMF?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.