FPXE vs QQQ
First Trust IPOX Europe 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 | FPXE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.69% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.61% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.98% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.88% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FPXE vs QQQ Performance
First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) 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 FPXE returned +8.61% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, FPXE is up 9.69% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, FPXE compounded at +18.98% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +2.88% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +8.69%. 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 20.1% for FPXE. 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 -49.5% for FPXE 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
FPXE charges 0.70% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $18 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPXE currently yields 1.46% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FPXE and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 202 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FPXE | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARM:LN | 7.35% | 0.51% | 6.84% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPXE or QQQ?
FPXE has an expense ratio of 0.70% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPXE or QQQ?
Over the past year FPXE returned +8.61% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FPXE annualized +8.69% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPXE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.1% for FPXE. Worst drawdown: FPXE -49.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FPXE and QQQ?
FPXE 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 FPXE and QQQ?
FPXE and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 202 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPXE or QQQ?
FPXE yields 1.46% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FPXE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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