QQQ vs SAUG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $110M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +9.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +13.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +12.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -14.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 18, 2023 |
QQQ vs SAUG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SAUG returned +13.73%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 9.39% for SAUG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +12.08% for SAUG. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +12.08%. 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 10.1% for SAUG. 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 -14.6% for SAUG. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SAUG charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $90 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.00% for SAUG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SAUG share 0 holdings out of 104 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 SAUG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SAUG charges 0.90%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SAUG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +13.73% for SAUG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +12.08% for SAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SAUG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for SAUG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SAUG -14.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SAUG?
QQQ and SAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SAUG?
QQQ and SAUG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SAUG?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SAUG yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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