FPX vs QQQ
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF 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 | FPX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.98% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.39% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.93% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.41% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FPX vs QQQ Performance
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) 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 FPX returned +25.39% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FPX is up 10.98% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, FPX compounded at +29.93% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.41% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +11.59%. 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 20.5% for FPX. 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 -56.4% for FPX 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
FPX charges 0.57% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $18 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPX currently yields 0.48% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FPX and QQQ share 8 holdings out of 194 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPX or QQQ?
FPX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPX or QQQ?
Over the past year FPX returned +25.39% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FPX annualized +11.59% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.5% for FPX. Worst drawdown: FPX -56.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FPX and QQQ?
FPX 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 FPX and QQQ?
FPX and QQQ share 8 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 194 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPX or QQQ?
FPX yields 0.48% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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