IGLD vs QQQ
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, IGLD or QQQ?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGLD | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $603M | $486.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 21.43% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 10 | 107 |
| YTD Return | -10.59% | +17.44%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.65% | +24.69%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.06% | +24.76%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +14.22%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8%Best | 20.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,210 | $19,441Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 3, 2021 to Sep 8, 2026 (5.5 years).
IGLD vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.5 years both funds cover.
IGLD vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IGLD returned +2.65% while QQQ returned +24.69%. Year to date, IGLD is down 10.59% versus a gain of 17.44% for QQQ.
Over three years, IGLD compounded at +18.06% per year against +24.76% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +14.22% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +17.20% annualized vs +10.75%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 13.8% for IGLD. 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 -28.1% for IGLD and -35.1% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.12. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGLD 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, IGLD currently yields 21.43% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IGLD and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGLD or QQQ?
IGLD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $67 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IGLD or QQQ?
Over the past year IGLD returned +2.65% vs +24.69% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IGLD annualized +10.75% vs +17.20% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IGLD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 13.8% for IGLD. Worst drawdown: IGLD -28.1% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both IGLD and QQQ?
IGLD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGLD or QQQ?
IGLD yields 21.43% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than IGLD?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.