QQQ vs RFDI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RFDI offers more diversification with 158 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RFDI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.83% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $168M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.08% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 158 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +15.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +26.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +22.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +8.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -42.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 14, 2016 |
QQQ vs RFDI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while RFDI returned +26.49%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 15.71% for RFDI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +22.22% for RFDI; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +8.12%. 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 15.4% for RFDI. 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 -42.4% for RFDI. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RFDI charges 0.83%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $83 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.08% for RFDI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RFDI share 0 holdings out of 248 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 RFDI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RFDI charges 0.83%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RFDI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +26.49% for RFDI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +8.12% for RFDI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RFDI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.4% for RFDI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RFDI -42.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RFDI?
QQQ and RFDI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RFDI?
QQQ and RFDI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 248 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RFDI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RFDI yields 3.08%, so RFDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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