QDEC vs QQQ
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, QDEC or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QDEC | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $699M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 10 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +10.92% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.27% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.49% | +25.63%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.08% | +15.24%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2%Best | 19.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -25.3%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,164 | $20,324Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2020 to Sep 18, 2026 (5.7 years).
QDEC vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.7 years both funds cover.
QDEC vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December (QDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QDEC returned +16.27% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, QDEC is up 10.92% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Over three years, QDEC compounded at +16.49% per year against +25.63% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.08% and +15.24% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +16.58% annualized vs +10.97%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% compared with 12.2% for QDEC. 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 -25.3% for QDEC and -35.1% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
QDEC 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, QDEC currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QDEC and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QDEC or QQQ?
QDEC has an expense ratio of 0.90% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, QDEC or QQQ?
Over the past year QDEC returned +16.27% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QDEC annualized +10.97% vs +16.58% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QDEC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 12.2% for QDEC. Worst drawdown: QDEC -25.3% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both QDEC and QQQ?
QDEC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDEC or QQQ?
QDEC yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than QDEC?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.