HELX vs QQQ
Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. HELX delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HELX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $31M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +18.18% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.28% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.91% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.86% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HELX vs QQQ Performance
Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HELX returned +46.28% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, HELX is up 18.18% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, HELX compounded at +12.91% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -4.86% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.55%. 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 25.3% for HELX. 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 -58.8% for HELX 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HELX charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HELX currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HELX and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 164 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HELX or QQQ?
HELX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HELX or QQQ?
Over the past year HELX returned +46.28% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so HELX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HELX annualized +9.55% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HELX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.3% for HELX. Worst drawdown: HELX -58.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HELX and QQQ?
HELX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HELX and QQQ?
HELX and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HELX or QQQ?
HELX yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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