HISF vs QQQ
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF 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 | HISF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $99M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.11% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.16% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.42% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HISF vs QQQ Performance
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) 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 HISF returned +2.42% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, HISF is down 0.16% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, HISF compounded at +5.16% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.74%. 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 5.5% for HISF. 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 -10.4% for HISF 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HISF charges 0.83% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $18 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HISF currently yields 5.11% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HISF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 113 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, HISF or QQQ?
HISF has an expense ratio of 0.83% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HISF or QQQ?
Over the past year HISF returned +2.42% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HISF annualized +1.74% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HISF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.5% for HISF. Worst drawdown: HISF -10.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HISF and QQQ?
HISF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HISF and QQQ?
HISF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 113 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HISF or QQQ?
HISF yields 5.11% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HISF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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