QQQ vs RCTR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RCTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.40% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 52 | |
| YTD Return | +17.85% | +1.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.45% | +11.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.07% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.16% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 25.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -19.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 30, 2025 |
QQQ vs RCTR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% while RCTR returned +11.05%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.85% versus a gain of 1.68% for RCTR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 25.7% for RCTR. 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 -19.0% for RCTR. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RCTR charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $70 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.40% for RCTR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RCTR share 1 holdings out of 147 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in RCTR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEG | 0.41% | 5.25% | 4.84% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RCTR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RCTR charges 0.70%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RCTR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% vs +11.05% for RCTR, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.09% vs +12.55% for RCTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RCTR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.7% for RCTR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RCTR -19.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RCTR?
QQQ and RCTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RCTR?
QQQ and RCTR share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 147 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RCTR?
QQQ yields 0.41% while RCTR yields 0.40%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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