GAPR vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAPR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $294M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.24% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.38% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.01% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GAPR vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April (GAPR) 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 GAPR returned +9.38% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, GAPR is up 6.24% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, GAPR compounded at +11.01% per year against +26.64% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 4.9% for GAPR. 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 -9.0% for GAPR 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAPR charges 0.85% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $18 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAPR currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GAPR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, GAPR or QQQ?
GAPR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAPR or QQQ?
Over the past year GAPR returned +9.38% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GAPR annualized +11.39% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAPR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.9% for GAPR. Worst drawdown: GAPR -9.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GAPR and QQQ?
GAPR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAPR and QQQ?
GAPR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAPR or QQQ?
GAPR yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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