QQXT vs VYM
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQXT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $154M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.81% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.18% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.60% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.26% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QQXT vs VYM Performance
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund (QQXT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQXT returned +7.18% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, QQXT is up 4.81% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, QQXT compounded at +7.60% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.26% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQXT has the edge at +9.05% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQXT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -57.5% for QQXT and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQXT charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQXT currently yields 1.22% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QQXT and VYM share 20 holdings out of 593 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQXT or VYM?
QQXT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQXT or VYM?
Over the past year QQXT returned +7.18% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQXT annualized +9.05% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQXT or VYM?
QQXT has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QQXT -57.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QQXT and VYM?
QQXT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQXT and VYM?
QQXT and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 10.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQXT or VYM?
QQXT yields 1.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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