FPA vs QQQ
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $111M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +29.66% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.50% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.27% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.28% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FPA vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +42.50% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FPA is up 29.66% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.27% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.28% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.51%. 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 22.1% for FPA. 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 -55.8% for FPA 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPA 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, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FPA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 201 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, FPA or QQQ?
FPA 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, FPA or QQQ?
Over the past year FPA returned +42.50% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.51% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.1% for FPA. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FPA and QQQ?
FPA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPA and QQQ?
FPA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or QQQ?
FPA yields 3.88% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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