QQQ vs QSPT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - September
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 | QSPT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $650M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +11.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +16.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +17.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 17, 2021 |
QQQ vs QSPT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - September (QSPT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while QSPT returned +16.28%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 11.57% for QSPT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +17.92% for QSPT; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +12.24%. 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 13.5% for QSPT. 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 -22.6% for QSPT. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QSPT charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $90 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for QSPT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QSPT 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, QQQ or QSPT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QSPT charges 0.90%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QSPT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +16.28% for QSPT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +12.24% for QSPT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QSPT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.5% for QSPT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QSPT -22.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QSPT?
QQQ and QSPT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 QQQ and QSPT?
QQQ and QSPT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QSPT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QSPT yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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