QCJL vs QQQ
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July 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 | QCJL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $97M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.98% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.58% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 19, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QCJL vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July (QCJL) 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 QCJL returned +12.58% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QCJL is up 7.98% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.4% for QCJL. 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 -11.2% for QCJL 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCJL charges 0.90% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $18 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCJL currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QCJL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCJL or QQQ?
QCJL has an expense ratio of 0.90% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCJL or QQQ?
Over the past year QCJL returned +12.58% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QCJL annualized +12.17% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCJL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.4% for QCJL. Worst drawdown: QCJL -11.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QCJL and QQQ?
QCJL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCJL and QQQ?
QCJL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCJL or QQQ?
QCJL yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ 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.