First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FAB returned +31.03% while QQQ returned +26.58%. Year to date, FAB is up 18.92% versus a gain of 16.83% for QQQ.

Over three years, FAB compounded at +14.17% per year against +24.70% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.17% and +14.88% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 20.6% for FAB. 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 -64.3% for FAB and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

FAB charges 0.66% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $18 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAB currently yields 1.59% against 0.41% for QQQ.