FNY vs QQQ
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNY offers more diversification with 226 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $600M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.26% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.34% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.99% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.98% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FNY vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +23.34% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FNY is up 12.26% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +18.99% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.98% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +11.46%. 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 18.3% for FNY. 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $18 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FNY and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 327 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, FNY or QQQ?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or QQQ?
Over the past year FNY returned +23.34% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.46% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.3% for FNY. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FNY and QQQ?
FNY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNY and QQQ?
FNY and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 327 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or QQQ?
FNY yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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