QQQ vs RDVY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. RDVY delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RDVY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.47% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $24.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.93% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 74 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +19.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +30.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +21.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +13.02% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 6, 2014 |
QQQ vs RDVY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (RDVY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while RDVY returned +30.05%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 19.65% for RDVY.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +21.61% for RDVY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +13.02% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +12.77%. 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 17.8% for RDVY. 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 -40.6% for RDVY. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RDVY charges 0.47%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $47 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.93% for RDVY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RDVY share 19 holdings out of 155 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RDVY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RDVY charges 0.47%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RDVY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +30.05% for RDVY, so RDVY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +12.77% for RDVY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RDVY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.8% for RDVY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RDVY -40.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RDVY?
QQQ and RDVY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RDVY?
QQQ and RDVY share 19 common holdings with a 20.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 155 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RDVY?
QQQ yields 0.41% while RDVY yields 0.93%, so RDVY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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