MMLG vs QQQ
First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth 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 | MMLG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $95M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 75 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +5.70% | +17.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.59% | +26.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +26.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.42% | +14.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MMLG vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth ETF (MMLG) 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 MMLG returned +15.59% while QQQ returned +26.35%. Year to date, MMLG is up 5.70% versus a gain of 17.89% for QQQ.
Over three years, MMLG compounded at +21.54% per year against +26.02% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.42% and +14.59% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.07% annualized vs +11.29%. 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 21.3% for MMLG. 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 -46.0% for MMLG 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MMLG 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, MMLG currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MMLG and QQQ share 30 holdings out of 148 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MMLG or QQQ?
MMLG 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, MMLG or QQQ?
Over the past year MMLG returned +15.59% vs +26.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MMLG annualized +11.29% vs +13.07% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MMLG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.3% for MMLG. Worst drawdown: MMLG -46.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MMLG and QQQ?
MMLG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MMLG and QQQ?
MMLG and QQQ share 30 common holdings with a 43.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 148 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MMLG or QQQ?
MMLG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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