FNX vs QQQ
FNX vs QQQ
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNX offers more diversification with 449 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 451 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.31% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.10% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.34% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.19% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FNX vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) 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 FNX returned +27.10% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, FNX is up 15.31% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, FNX compounded at +15.34% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.19% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.97%. 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 20.0% for FNX. 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 -57.6% for FNX 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNX charges 0.62% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $18 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNX currently yields 0.83% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FNX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 552 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, FNX or QQQ?
FNX has an expense ratio of 0.62% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNX or QQQ?
Over the past year FNX returned +27.10% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FNX annualized +8.97% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.0% for FNX. Worst drawdown: FNX -57.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FNX and QQQ?
FNX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNX and QQQ?
FNX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNX or QQQ?
FNX yields 0.83% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FNX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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