FTXN vs QQQ
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FTXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $160M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +42.24% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.13% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.90% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.05% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FTXN vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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 FTXN returned +49.13% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FTXN is up 42.24% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FTXN compounded at +13.90% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +24.05% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -74.4% for FTXN 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXN 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, FTXN currently yields 1.73% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXN or QQQ?
FTXN 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, FTXN or QQQ?
Over the past year FTXN returned +49.13% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so FTXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXN annualized +8.75% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXN or QQQ?
FTXN has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: FTXN -74.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FTXN and QQQ?
FTXN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXN and QQQ?
FTXN and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 143 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXN or QQQ?
FTXN yields 1.73% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FTXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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