QQQ vs XMAR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | XMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $154M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +8.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +11.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +11.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -7.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 17, 2023 |
QQQ vs XMAR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March (XMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while XMAR returned +11.61%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 8.25% for XMAR.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +11.12% for XMAR. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +11.51%. 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 3.3% for XMAR. 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 -7.3% for XMAR. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XMAR 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 XMAR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XMAR 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 XMAR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XMAR 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 XMAR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +11.61% for XMAR, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +11.51% for XMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XMAR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.3% for XMAR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XMAR -7.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XMAR?
QQQ and XMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XMAR?
QQQ and XMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XMAR?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XMAR yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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