FTBI vs QQQ
First Trust Balanced Income 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 | FTBI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $24M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.62% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.16% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.25% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTBI vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) 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 FTBI returned +13.25% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, FTBI is up 8.16% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.2% for FTBI. 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 -5.3% for FTBI 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTBI charges 0.97% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $18 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTBI currently yields 7.62% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FTBI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 116 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, FTBI or QQQ?
FTBI has an expense ratio of 0.97% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTBI or QQQ?
Over the past year FTBI returned +13.25% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTBI annualized +16.05% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTBI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.2% for FTBI. Worst drawdown: FTBI -5.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTBI and QQQ?
FTBI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTBI and QQQ?
FTBI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 116 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTBI or QQQ?
FTBI yields 7.62% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FTBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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