HYLS vs QQQ
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYLS offers more diversification with 327 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYLS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.81% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 327 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.96% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.47% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.17% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.73% | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HYLS vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) 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 HYLS returned +2.47% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, HYLS is up 0.96% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Over three years, HYLS compounded at +7.17% per year against +25.47% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +2.73% and +14.34% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +0.96%. 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 7.1% for HYLS. 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 -29.1% for HYLS 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYLS charges 0.69% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $18 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYLS currently yields 6.81% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HYLS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 300 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, HYLS or QQQ?
HYLS has an expense ratio of 0.69% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYLS or QQQ?
Over the past year HYLS returned +2.47% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), HYLS annualized +0.96% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYLS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.1% for HYLS. Worst drawdown: HYLS -29.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HYLS and QQQ?
HYLS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYLS and QQQ?
HYLS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 300 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYLS or QQQ?
HYLS yields 6.81% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HYLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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