GFEB vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - February 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GFEB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $378M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.68% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.43% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.57% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 17, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GFEB vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - February (GFEB) 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 GFEB returned +12.43% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, GFEB is up 7.68% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, GFEB compounded at +12.57% per year against +25.79% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, GFEB has the edge at +13.29% annualized vs +13.10%. 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 6.2% for GFEB. 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 -9.6% for GFEB 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GFEB 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, GFEB currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GFEB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, GFEB or QQQ?
GFEB 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, GFEB or QQQ?
Over the past year GFEB returned +12.43% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GFEB annualized +13.29% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GFEB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.2% for GFEB. Worst drawdown: GFEB -9.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GFEB and QQQ?
GFEB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GFEB and QQQ?
GFEB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GFEB or QQQ?
GFEB yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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