QQQ vs YSEP
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
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 | YSEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +8.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +13.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +13.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +7.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 17, 2021 |
QQQ vs YSEP Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while YSEP returned +13.76%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 8.36% for YSEP.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +13.47% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +7.33% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.33%. 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 11.2% for YSEP. 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 YSEP. 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 YSEP 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 YSEP.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and YSEP 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 YSEP?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YSEP 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 YSEP?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +13.76% for YSEP, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.33% for YSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YSEP?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.2% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YSEP?
QQQ and YSEP 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 YSEP?
QQQ and YSEP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YSEP?
QQQ yields 0.44% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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