LEGR vs QQQ
First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. LEGR offers more diversification with 112 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LEGR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $131M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 112 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.97% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.80% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.10% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.83% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
LEGR vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) 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 LEGR returned +24.80% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, LEGR is up 11.97% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, LEGR compounded at +24.10% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.83% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.42%. 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 17.0% for LEGR. 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 -36.1% for LEGR 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LEGR charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LEGR currently yields 1.79% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
LEGR and QQQ share 13 holdings out of 194 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LEGR or QQQ?
LEGR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LEGR or QQQ?
Over the past year LEGR returned +24.80% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), LEGR annualized +11.42% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEGR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.0% for LEGR. Worst drawdown: LEGR -36.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both LEGR and QQQ?
LEGR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LEGR and QQQ?
LEGR and QQQ share 13 common holdings with a 16.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 194 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEGR or QQQ?
LEGR yields 1.79% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LEGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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