QMAG vs QQQ
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - August 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 | QMAG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $53M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.93% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.41% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QMAG vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - August (QMAG) 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 QMAG returned +14.41% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QMAG is up 8.93% 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 7.5% for QMAG. 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 -12.4% for QMAG 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QMAG 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, QMAG currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QMAG 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, QMAG or QQQ?
QMAG 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, QMAG or QQQ?
Over the past year QMAG returned +14.41% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QMAG annualized +13.13% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QMAG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.5% for QMAG. Worst drawdown: QMAG -12.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QMAG and QQQ?
QMAG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 QMAG and QQQ?
QMAG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QMAG or QQQ?
QMAG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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