FYX vs QQQ
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FYX delivered stronger 1-year returns. FYX offers more diversification with 526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +26.61% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.09% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.80% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FYX vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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 FYX returned +41.09% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, FYX is up 26.61% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, FYX compounded at +21.44% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.80% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.83%. 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 22.0% for FYX. 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 -62.1% for FYX 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYX charges 0.58% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $18 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYX currently yields 0.90% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FYX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYX or QQQ?
FYX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYX or QQQ?
Over the past year FYX returned +41.09% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so FYX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FYX annualized +8.83% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.0% for FYX. Worst drawdown: FYX -62.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FYX and QQQ?
FYX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYX and QQQ?
FYX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYX or QQQ?
FYX yields 0.90% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FYX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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