QQQ vs SQMX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF
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 | SQMX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $55M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +3.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +7.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -7.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 20, 2024 |
QQQ vs SQMX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SQMX returned +7.59%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 3.91% for SQMX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.9% for SQMX. 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 -7.4% for SQMX. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SQMX 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 SQMX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SQMX 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 SQMX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SQMX 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 SQMX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +7.59% for SQMX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.40% for SQMX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SQMX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.9% for SQMX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SQMX -7.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SQMX?
QQQ and SQMX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SQMX?
QQQ and SQMX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SQMX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SQMX yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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