QQQ vs SEPM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Max 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 | SEPM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $31M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +4.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +6.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -3.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 20, 2024 |
QQQ vs SEPM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - September (SEPM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SEPM returned +6.40%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 4.30% for SEPM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.8% for SEPM. 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 -3.9% for SEPM. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SEPM 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 0.41% against 0.00% for SEPM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SEPM 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 SEPM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SEPM 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 SEPM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +6.40% for SEPM, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +6.28% for SEPM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SEPM?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.8% for SEPM. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SEPM -3.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SEPM?
QQQ and SEPM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SEPM?
QQQ and SEPM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SEPM?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SEPM yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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