QQQ vs RBLD
QQQ vs RBLD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RBLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +17.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.94% | +21.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.28% | +19.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.22% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -19.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 13, 2008 |
QQQ vs RBLD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% while RBLD returned +21.51%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.34% versus a gain of 17.77% for RBLD.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.28% per year against +19.73% for RBLD. Across the full 4-year window we track, RBLD has the edge at +17.29% annualized vs +13.12%. 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 16.6% for RBLD. 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 -19.1% for RBLD. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RBLD charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $65 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.03% for RBLD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RBLD share 9 holdings out of 194 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in RBLD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEG | 0.41% | 1.09% | 0.68% |
| CSX | 0.41% | 1.07% | 0.66% |
| HON | 0.31% | 1.08% | 0.77% |
| PCAR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EXC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CRWV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 9 holdings QQQ shares with RBLD 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, QQQ or RBLD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RBLD charges 0.65%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RBLD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% vs +21.51% for RBLD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.12% vs +17.29% for RBLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RBLD?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for RBLD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RBLD -19.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RBLD?
QQQ and RBLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RBLD?
QQQ and RBLD share 9 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 194 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RBLD?
QQQ yields 0.41% while RBLD yields 1.03%, so RBLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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