FAI vs QQQ
FAI vs QQQ
First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $153M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +31.63% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.02% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 20, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FAI vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) 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 FAI returned +48.02% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, FAI is up 31.63% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.5% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -27.8% for FAI 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAI charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAI currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FAI and QQQ share 23 holdings out of 130 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAI | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.80% | 7.88% | 0.92% |
| MSFT | 8.09% | 4.65% | 3.44% |
| AMZN | 8.16% | 4.26% | 3.90% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PLTR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRVL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FAI shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAI or QQQ?
FAI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAI or QQQ?
Over the past year FAI returned +48.02% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so FAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FAI annualized +41.43% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAI or QQQ?
FAI has been the more volatile fund at 31.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: FAI -27.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FAI and QQQ?
FAI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FAI and QQQ?
FAI and QQQ share 23 common holdings with a 42.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 130 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAI or QQQ?
FAI yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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