QQQ vs XJUL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - July
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 | XJUL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $43M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +6.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +10.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +10.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -9.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 21, 2023 |
QQQ vs XJUL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - July (XJUL) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XJUL returned +10.15%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 6.06% for XJUL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +10.93% for XJUL. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +10.12%. 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 4.8% for XJUL. 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 -9.1% for XJUL. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XJUL 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 XJUL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XJUL 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 XJUL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XJUL 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 XJUL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +10.15% for XJUL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +10.12% for XJUL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XJUL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.8% for XJUL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XJUL -9.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XJUL?
QQQ and XJUL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XJUL?
QQQ and XJUL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XJUL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XJUL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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