IGLD vs QQQ
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income 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 | IGLD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $547M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 21.43% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -6.20% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.29% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.91% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.63% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IGLD vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) 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 IGLD returned +15.29% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, IGLD is down 6.20% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, IGLD compounded at +20.91% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.63% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +11.84%. 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 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 -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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGLD or QQQ?
Over the past year IGLD returned +15.29% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IGLD annualized +11.84% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGLD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.8% for IGLD. Worst drawdown: IGLD -28.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IGLD and QQQ?
IGLD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
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.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.