QQQ vs RSDE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RSDE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $32M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +9.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +13.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -10.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 20, 2024 |
QQQ vs RSDE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December (RSDE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while RSDE returned +13.16%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 9.55% for RSDE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.1% for RSDE. 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 -10.8% for RSDE. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RSDE charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $85 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for RSDE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RSDE share 0 holdings out of 103 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 RSDE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RSDE charges 0.85%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RSDE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +13.16% for RSDE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +11.39% for RSDE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RSDE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.1% for RSDE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RSDE -10.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RSDE?
QQQ and RSDE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RSDE?
QQQ and RSDE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RSDE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RSDE yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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