FTGS vs QQQ
First Trust Growth 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.16% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.59% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.19% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTGS vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) 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 FTGS returned +12.59% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FTGS is up 11.16% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.19% per year against +25.75% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.27% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 14.5% for FTGS. 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 -20.0% for FTGS 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.08% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and QQQ share 21 holdings out of 131 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or QQQ?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or QQQ?
Over the past year FTGS returned +12.59% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.27% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.5% for FTGS. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTGS and QQQ?
FTGS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and QQQ?
FTGS and QQQ share 21 common holdings with a 19.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or QQQ?
FTGS yields 0.08% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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