FXR vs QQQ
First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FXR offers more diversification with 156 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $767M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.69% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.65% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.69% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.24% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FXR vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund (FXR) 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 FXR returned +15.65% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, FXR is up 9.69% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, FXR compounded at +15.69% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.24% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +8.29%. 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 22.3% for FXR. 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 -64.0% for FXR 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXR 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, FXR currently yields 0.66% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FXR and QQQ share 7 holdings out of 250 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXR or QQQ?
FXR 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, FXR or QQQ?
Over the past year FXR returned +15.65% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXR annualized +8.29% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.3% for FXR. Worst drawdown: FXR -64.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FXR and QQQ?
FXR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXR and QQQ?
FXR and QQQ share 7 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 250 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXR or QQQ?
FXR yields 0.66% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FXR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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