QQQ vs YMAR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest International Equity 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 | YMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $164M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +8.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +12.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +12.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +6.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 19, 2021 |
QQQ vs YMAR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (YMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while YMAR returned +12.76%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 8.27% for YMAR.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +12.54% for YMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +6.94% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.23%. 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 10.1% for YMAR. 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 -22.6% for YMAR. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while YMAR charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $90 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for YMAR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and YMAR 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 YMAR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YMAR charges 0.90%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or YMAR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +12.76% for YMAR, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.23% for YMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YMAR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for YMAR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YMAR -22.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YMAR?
QQQ and YMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and YMAR?
QQQ and YMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YMAR?
QQQ yields 0.44% while YMAR yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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