FRDM vs QQQ
Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FRDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. FRDM offers more diversification with 127 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRDM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.3B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 134 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +29.31% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.62% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.89% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.25% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Freedom ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FRDM vs QQQ Performance
Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) is a ETF from Freedom ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FRDM returned +61.62% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, FRDM is up 29.31% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, FRDM compounded at +32.89% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +17.25% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, FRDM has the edge at +16.88% annualized vs +13.10%. 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 23.2% for FRDM. 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 -40.5% for FRDM 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRDM charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FRDM currently yields 1.53% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FRDM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 230 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, FRDM or QQQ?
FRDM has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FRDM or QQQ?
Over the past year FRDM returned +61.62% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so FRDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), FRDM annualized +16.88% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRDM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.2% for FRDM. Worst drawdown: FRDM -40.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FRDM and QQQ?
FRDM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRDM and QQQ?
FRDM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 230 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRDM or QQQ?
FRDM yields 1.53% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FRDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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