GMAY vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May 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 | GMAY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $545M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +5.94% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.21% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.08% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GMAY vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May (GMAY) 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 GMAY returned +10.21% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GMAY is up 5.94% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GMAY compounded at +12.08% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.07%. 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 6.1% for GMAY. 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 -11.8% for GMAY 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GMAY 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, GMAY currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GMAY 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, GMAY or QQQ?
GMAY 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, GMAY or QQQ?
Over the past year GMAY returned +10.21% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GMAY annualized +12.07% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GMAY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.1% for GMAY. Worst drawdown: GMAY -11.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GMAY and QQQ?
GMAY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GMAY and QQQ?
GMAY and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GMAY or QQQ?
GMAY yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.