KNG vs QQQ
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. KNG offers more diversification with 139 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.28% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.41% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.85% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.93% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.20% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KNG vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) 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 KNG returned +8.85% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, KNG is up 7.41% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, KNG compounded at +7.93% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.20% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.37%. 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 15.5% for KNG. 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 -35.1% for KNG 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNG charges 0.74% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $18 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNG currently yields 8.28% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KNG and QQQ share 7 holdings out of 164 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNG or QQQ?
KNG has an expense ratio of 0.74% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNG or QQQ?
Over the past year KNG returned +8.85% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), KNG annualized +7.37% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.5% for KNG. Worst drawdown: KNG -35.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KNG and QQQ?
KNG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNG and QQQ?
KNG and QQQ share 7 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNG or QQQ?
KNG yields 8.28% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so KNG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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