QQQ vs RSSE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September
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 | RSSE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $36M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +10.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +14.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -11.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 20, 2024 |
QQQ vs RSSE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September (RSSE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while RSSE returned +14.17%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 10.87% for RSSE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.9% for RSSE. 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 -11.4% for RSSE. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RSSE 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 RSSE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RSSE 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 RSSE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RSSE 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 RSSE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +14.17% for RSSE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +9.72% for RSSE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RSSE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.9% for RSSE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RSSE -11.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RSSE?
QQQ and RSSE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RSSE?
QQQ and RSSE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RSSE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RSSE yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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