QQEW vs VYM
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQEW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.45% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.23% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.38% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QQEW vs VYM Performance
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQEW returned +21.45% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, QQEW is up 18.20% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, QQEW compounded at +16.23% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.38% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQEW has the edge at +11.27% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQEW charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQEW currently yields 0.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QQEW and VYM share 8 holdings out of 601 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQEW or VYM?
QQEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQEW or VYM?
Over the past year QQEW returned +21.45% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQEW annualized +11.27% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQEW or VYM?
QQEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QQEW -58.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QQEW and VYM?
QQEW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQEW and VYM?
QQEW and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQEW or VYM?
QQEW yields 0.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.