QQQ vs ROBT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ROBT offers more diversification with 121 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | ROBT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $795M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 121 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +14.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +19.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +12.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +2.60% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 23.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -44.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 21, 2018 |
QQQ vs ROBT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while ROBT returned +19.36%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 14.85% for ROBT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +12.51% for ROBT; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +2.60% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +8.74%. 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 23.6% for ROBT. 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 -44.5% for ROBT. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while ROBT charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $65 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.02% for ROBT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and ROBT share 26 holdings out of 190 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or ROBT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while ROBT charges 0.65%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or ROBT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +19.36% for ROBT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +8.74% for ROBT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or ROBT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.6% for ROBT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs ROBT -44.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and ROBT?
QQQ and ROBT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and ROBT?
QQQ and ROBT share 26 common holdings with a 16.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 190 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or ROBT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while ROBT yields 0.02%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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