QQQ vs XDEC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December
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 | XDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $202M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +6.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +10.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +9.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 17, 2021 |
QQQ vs XDEC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December (XDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while XDEC returned +10.06%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 6.24% for XDEC.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +9.79% for XDEC. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +8.15%. 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 6.9% for XDEC. 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 -11.8% for XDEC. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XDEC 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 XDEC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XDEC 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 XDEC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XDEC 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 XDEC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +10.06% for XDEC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +8.15% for XDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XDEC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.9% for XDEC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XDEC -11.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XDEC?
QQQ and XDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XDEC?
QQQ and XDEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XDEC?
QQQ yields 0.41% while XDEC yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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