FSTA vs QQQ
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
FSTA has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSTA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.53% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.62% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.87% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.81% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FSTA vs QQQ Performance
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FSTA returned +5.62% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, FSTA is up 10.53% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, FSTA compounded at +7.87% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.81% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +7.13%. 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 12.4% for FSTA. 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 -25.7% for FSTA 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSTA charges 0.08% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $18 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSTA currently yields 2.21% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FSTA and QQQ share 7 holdings out of 189 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSTA or QQQ?
FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while QQQ charges 0.18%. FSTA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSTA or QQQ?
Over the past year FSTA returned +5.62% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FSTA annualized +7.13% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSTA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.4% for FSTA. Worst drawdown: FSTA -25.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FSTA and QQQ?
FSTA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSTA and QQQ?
FSTA and QQQ share 7 common holdings with a 6.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 189 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSTA or QQQ?
FSTA yields 2.21% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FSTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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