QDEC vs QQQ
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QDEC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $682M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.05% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.74% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.98% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.17% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QDEC vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December (QDEC) 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 QDEC returned +18.74% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, QDEC is up 11.05% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, QDEC compounded at +16.98% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.17% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +11.20%. 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 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 -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
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 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QDEC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, QDEC or QQQ?
QDEC 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, QDEC or QQQ?
Over the past year QDEC returned +18.74% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QDEC annualized +11.20% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QDEC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.2% for QDEC. Worst drawdown: QDEC -25.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QDEC and QQQ?
QDEC 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 QDEC and QQQ?
QDEC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDEC or QQQ?
QDEC yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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