FSMB vs QQQ
First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FSMB offers more diversification with 557 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSMB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $632M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.18% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 557 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.21% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.39% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.43% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.39% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FSMB vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF (FSMB) 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 FSMB returned +2.39% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FSMB is up 1.21% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, FSMB compounded at +3.43% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.39% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +1.52%. 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 2.6% for FSMB. 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 -6.3% for FSMB 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSMB charges 0.34% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $18 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSMB currently yields 3.18% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FSMB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 432 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, FSMB or QQQ?
FSMB has an expense ratio of 0.34% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSMB or QQQ?
Over the past year FSMB returned +2.39% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FSMB annualized +1.52% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSMB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.6% for FSMB. Worst drawdown: FSMB -6.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FSMB and QQQ?
FSMB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSMB and QQQ?
FSMB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 432 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSMB or QQQ?
FSMB yields 3.18% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FSMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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