FTXH vs QQQ
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FTXH delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXH | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $989M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +28.12% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.03% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.01% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.04% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTXH vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) 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 FTXH returned +54.03% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FTXH is up 28.12% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FTXH compounded at +18.01% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.04% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.42%. 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 15.4% for FTXH. 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 -32.1% for FTXH 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXH 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, FTXH currently yields 1.09% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FTXH and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 147 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXH or QQQ?
FTXH 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, FTXH or QQQ?
Over the past year FTXH returned +54.03% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so FTXH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXH annualized +8.42% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXH or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.4% for FTXH. Worst drawdown: FTXH -32.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTXH and QQQ?
FTXH and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXH and QQQ?
FTXH and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 147 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXH or QQQ?
FTXH yields 1.09% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FTXH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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