QQQ vs RFEU
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. RFEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RFEU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.83% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.64% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 91 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +1.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +28.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +13.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +6.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -42.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 14, 2016 |
QQQ vs RFEU Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while RFEU returned +28.40%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 1.15% for RFEU.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +13.10% for RFEU; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +6.58% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +7.60%. 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 16.1% for RFEU. 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 -42.9% for RFEU. 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 RFEU 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 4.64% for RFEU.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RFEU share 0 holdings out of 188 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 RFEU?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RFEU 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 RFEU?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +28.40% for RFEU, so RFEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +7.60% for RFEU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RFEU?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.1% for RFEU. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RFEU -42.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RFEU?
QQQ and RFEU 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 RFEU?
QQQ and RFEU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 188 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RFEU?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RFEU yields 4.64%, so RFEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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