QQQ vs QQXT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund
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 | QQQ | QQXT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.57% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $161M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.23% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 56 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +5.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +6.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +8.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +4.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -57.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 8, 2007 |
QQQ vs QQXT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund (QQXT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while QQXT returned +6.07%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 5.18% for QQXT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +8.71% for QQXT; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +4.38% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +9.05%. 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 17.0% for QQXT. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -57.5% for QQXT. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QQXT charges 0.57%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $57 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.23% for QQXT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QQXT share 52 holdings out of 104 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or QQXT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQXT charges 0.57%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QQXT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +6.07% for QQXT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +9.05% for QQXT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QQXT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.0% for QQXT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QQXT -57.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QQXT?
QQQ and QQXT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and QQXT?
QQQ and QQXT share 52 common holdings with a 26.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QQXT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QQXT yields 1.23%, so QQXT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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