QQQ vs XPND
QQQ vs XPND
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust Expanded Technology 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 | XPND | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $38M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.07% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +6.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | +12.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | +22.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | +12.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 21.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -38.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 14, 2021 |
QQQ vs XPND Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while XPND returned +12.93%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a gain of 6.80% for XPND.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.19% per year against +22.07% for XPND; over five years the annualized figures are +14.49% and +12.46% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XPND has the edge at +13.68% annualized vs +12.98%. 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 21.7% for XPND. 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 -38.0% for XPND. 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
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XPND 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 0.07% for XPND.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XPND share 25 holdings out of 128 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in XPND | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 4.47% | 3.41% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 4.64% | 2.82% |
| AMAT | 2.02% | 5.86% | 3.84% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NFLX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KLAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PLTR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with XPND 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 XPND?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XPND 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 XPND?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs +12.93% for XPND, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +13.68% for XPND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XPND?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.7% for XPND. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XPND -38.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XPND?
QQQ and XPND 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 QQQ and XPND?
QQQ and XPND share 25 common holdings with a 34.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XPND?
QQQ yields 0.41% while XPND yields 0.07%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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