FTXL vs QQQ
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FTXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +66.35% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +133.73% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.37% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.20% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTXL vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) 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 FTXL returned +133.73% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FTXL is up 66.35% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FTXL compounded at +49.37% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +28.20% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXL has the edge at +27.98% annualized vs +13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.3% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -43.9% for FTXL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXL 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, FTXL currently yields 0.11% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FTXL and QQQ share 17 holdings out of 119 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXL or QQQ?
FTXL 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, FTXL or QQQ?
Over the past year FTXL returned +133.73% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so FTXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXL annualized +27.98% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXL or QQQ?
FTXL has been the more volatile fund at 31.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: FTXL -43.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTXL and QQQ?
FTXL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXL and QQQ?
FTXL and QQQ share 17 common holdings with a 29.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXL or QQQ?
FTXL yields 0.11% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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