FTGC vs QQQ
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FTGC delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.26% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +33.63% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.13% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.00% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.28% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTGC vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) 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 FTGC returned +45.13% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FTGC is up 33.63% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +17.00% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +15.28% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +3.46%. 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 13.6% for FTGC. 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 -60.6% for FTGC 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGC charges 0.98% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $18 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGC currently yields 15.26% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FTGC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, FTGC or QQQ?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGC or QQQ?
Over the past year FTGC returned +45.13% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so FTGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.46% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.6% for FTGC. Worst drawdown: FTGC -60.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTGC and QQQ?
FTGC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGC and QQQ?
FTGC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGC or QQQ?
FTGC yields 15.26% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FTGC 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.