FSGS vs QQQ
First Trust SMID Growth Strength 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 | FSGS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $32M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.34% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.96% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.00% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.19% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FSGS vs QQQ Performance
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) 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 FSGS returned +9.96% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FSGS is up 11.34% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FSGS compounded at +10.00% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.19% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 20.8% for FSGS. 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 -45.0% for FSGS 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSGS charges 0.61% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $18 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSGS currently yields 0.03% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FSGS and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 201 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FSGS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXCM | 1.04% | 0.14% | 0.90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSGS or QQQ?
FSGS has an expense ratio of 0.61% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSGS or QQQ?
Over the past year FSGS returned +9.96% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSGS annualized +7.11% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSGS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.8% for FSGS. Worst drawdown: FSGS -45.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FSGS and QQQ?
FSGS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSGS and QQQ?
FSGS and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSGS or QQQ?
FSGS yields 0.03% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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