QQQ vs XMAY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - May
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 | XMAY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +5.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +8.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 17, 2024 |
QQQ vs XMAY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - May (XMAY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while XMAY returned +8.69%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 5.36% for XMAY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.0% for XMAY. 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 -8.2% for XMAY. 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 XMAY 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 XMAY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XMAY 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 XMAY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XMAY 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 XMAY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +8.69% for XMAY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +10.04% for XMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XMAY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.0% for XMAY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XMAY -8.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XMAY?
QQQ and XMAY 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 XMAY?
QQQ and XMAY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XMAY?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XMAY yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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