QMFE vs QQQ
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February 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 | QMFE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $49M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.63% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.53% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QMFE vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February (QMFE) 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 QMFE returned +15.53% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, QMFE is up 10.63% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 8.3% for QMFE. 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 -11.8% for QMFE 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QMFE 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, QMFE currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QMFE 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, QMFE or QQQ?
QMFE 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, QMFE or QQQ?
Over the past year QMFE returned +15.53% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QMFE annualized +15.48% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QMFE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.3% for QMFE. Worst drawdown: QMFE -11.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QMFE and QQQ?
QMFE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 QMFE and QQQ?
QMFE and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QMFE or QQQ?
QMFE yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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