QQEW vs VOO
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQEW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.20% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.45% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.23% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.38% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QQEW vs VOO Performance
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQEW returned +21.45% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, QQEW is up 18.20% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, QQEW compounded at +16.23% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.38% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +11.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -58.2% for QQEW and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQEW charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQEW currently yields 0.20% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QQEW and VOO share 46 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQEW or VOO?
QQEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQEW or VOO?
Over the past year QQEW returned +21.45% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQEW annualized +11.27% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQEW or VOO?
QQEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QQEW -58.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QQEW and VOO?
QQEW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 QQEW and VOO?
QQEW and VOO share 46 common holdings with a 22.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQEW or VOO?
QQEW yields 0.20% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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