QQQ vs XOCT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October
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 | XOCT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $73M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +6.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +10.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -10.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 20, 2023 |
QQQ vs XOCT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October (XOCT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while XOCT returned +10.17%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 6.19% for XOCT.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.7% for XOCT. 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 -10.0% for XOCT. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XOCT 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 XOCT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XOCT 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 XOCT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XOCT 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 XOCT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +10.17% for XOCT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +10.50% for XOCT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XOCT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.7% for XOCT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XOCT -10.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XOCT?
QQQ and XOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XOCT?
QQQ and XOCT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XOCT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XOCT yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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