FTCS vs QQQ
FTCS vs QQQ
First Trust Capital 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.00% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTCS vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) 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 FTCS returned +11.00% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, FTCS is up 8.92% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +11.02% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.75%. 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 15.6% for FTCS. 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 -54.1% for FTCS 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
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $18 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.11% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FTCS and QQQ share 17 holdings out of 136 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 2.28% | 7.46% | 5.18% |
| MSFT | 1.78% | 4.65% | 2.87% |
| GOOGL | 2.08% | 3.29% | 1.21% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LIN:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MNST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTCS shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCS or QQQ?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCS or QQQ?
Over the past year FTCS returned +11.00% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FTCS annualized +8.75% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.6% for FTCS. Worst drawdown: FTCS -54.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTCS and QQQ?
FTCS 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 FTCS and QQQ?
FTCS and QQQ share 17 common holdings with a 17.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or QQQ?
FTCS yields 1.11% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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