FQAL vs PATN
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF vs Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF
Quick Verdict
FQAL has a lower expense ratio. PATN delivered stronger 1-year returns. FQAL offers more diversification with 130 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | PATN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $234M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 1.67% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.56% | +30.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.37% | +51.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.62% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 21.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -16.8% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Sep 16, 2024 |
FQAL vs PATN Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year FQAL returned +19.37% while PATN returned +51.30%. Year to date, FQAL is up 12.56% versus a gain of 30.11% for PATN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PATN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% compared with 15.0% for FQAL. 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 -34.1% for FQAL and -16.8% for PATN. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while PATN charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $65 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.15% against 1.67% for PATN.
Holdings Overlap
FQAL and PATN share 1 holdings out of 225 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FQAL | Weight in PATN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMF | 0.62% | 0.75% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FQAL or PATN?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while PATN charges 0.65%. FQAL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or PATN?
Over the past year FQAL returned +19.37% vs +51.30% for PATN, so PATN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FQAL annualized +13.76% vs +37.49% for PATN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or PATN?
PATN has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.0% for FQAL. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs PATN -16.8%.
Should I hold both FQAL and PATN?
FQAL and PATN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FQAL and PATN?
FQAL and PATN share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 225 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or PATN?
FQAL yields 1.15% while PATN yields 1.67%, so PATN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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