FTAG vs QQQ
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture 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 | FTAG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $14M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.09% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.24% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.04% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.66% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTAG vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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 FTAG returned +11.24% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, FTAG is up 11.09% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, FTAG compounded at +5.04% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +2.66% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs -17.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTAG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -98.4% for FTAG 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTAG charges 0.70% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $18 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTAG currently yields 1.30% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FTAG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 155 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, FTAG or QQQ?
FTAG has an expense ratio of 0.70% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTAG or QQQ?
Over the past year FTAG returned +11.24% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTAG annualized -17.40% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTAG or QQQ?
FTAG has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: FTAG -98.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTAG and QQQ?
FTAG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTAG and QQQ?
FTAG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 155 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTAG or QQQ?
FTAG yields 1.30% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FTAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.