IFV vs QQQ
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 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 | IFV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.14% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $237M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.29% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.98% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.63% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IFV vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) 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 IFV returned +8.98% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, IFV is up 3.29% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, IFV compounded at +15.55% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.63% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +3.11%. 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 17.4% for IFV. 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 -51.2% for IFV 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFV charges 1.14% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $114 vs $18 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFV currently yields 1.89% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IFV and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 107 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, IFV or QQQ?
IFV has an expense ratio of 1.14% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFV or QQQ?
Over the past year IFV returned +8.98% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IFV annualized +3.11% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for IFV. Worst drawdown: IFV -51.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IFV and QQQ?
IFV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IFV and QQQ?
IFV and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 107 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFV or QQQ?
IFV yields 1.89% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IFV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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