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QQEW or QQQ or QQQA
Which ETF would AI Choose? First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) vs. Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) vs. ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum ETF (QQQA)
Key Takeaways
- QQEW delivers equal-weighted exposure to a select group of Nasdaq-100 constituents, providing broader diversification across holdings than market-cap-weighted peers and reducing concentration in the largest technology names.
- QQQ offers straightforward, low-cost access to the full Nasdaq-100 Index through a market-capitalization-weighted approach, delivering high liquidity and established performance across market cycles.
- QQQA applies a momentum-driven selection process, concentrating in approximately 21 high-momentum Nasdaq-100 stocks and introducing tactical tilts that can amplify both upside and volatility relative to the other two ETFs.
- Expense ratios differ meaningfully: QQQ maintains the lowest cost structure at approximately 0.20%, while QQEW and QQQA carry higher fees of 0.55% and 0.58% respectively.
- Structural differences in weighting and selection create distinct risk profiles, with QQEW emphasizing balance, QQQ emphasizing scale, and QQQA emphasizing recent price strength.
- All three ETFs focus on Nasdaq-100 companies but vary in rebalancing frequency and exposure depth, influencing sensitivity to sector rotations and macroeconomic factors.
Introduction
Investors seeking Nasdaq-100 exposure now face a choice among three distinct strategies. QQEW, QQQ, and QQQA all draw from the same underlying universe of large, innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq but implement different weighting methodologies and selection rules. This comparison highlights how equal weighting, market-cap weighting, and momentum screening produce varying diversification, cost, and risk characteristics within the technology-heavy growth segment.
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) Overview
QQEW tracks the Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight Index, selecting the top 50 companies from the Nasdaq-100 based on blended quality and growth scores. The fund applies equal weighting to these holdings and rebalances quarterly. It typically holds around 50 securities, with sector allocations led by technology, healthcare, and consumer discretionary. The expense ratio stands at 0.55%. The equal-weight methodology reduces dominance by mega-cap names and promotes broader participation across selected constituents.
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) Overview
QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, providing market-capitalization-weighted exposure to approximately 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. The fund rebalances quarterly and reconstitutes annually. Top holdings typically include major technology and consumer names such as Microsoft, Apple, NVIDIA, Amazon, and Broadcom. The expense ratio is 0.20%. Its structure emphasizes scale and liquidity while maintaining a growth-oriented profile across technology, communication services, and consumer sectors.
ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum ETF (QQQA) Overview
QQQA tracks the Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum Index, selecting the 21 Nasdaq-100 constituents exhibiting the highest relative strength momentum signals. Holdings receive equal weights and the index reconstitutes quarterly. The fund typically maintains around 21–23 positions, with elevated exposure to technology and growth-oriented names. The expense ratio is 0.58%. The momentum overlay introduces a rules-based tactical element that can shift allocations toward recent outperformers.
Industry and Thematic Landscape
The Nasdaq-100 universe remains centered on technology, communication services, and consumer discretionary sectors, driven by innovation in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, and digital platforms. Capital continues to flow toward companies demonstrating durable earnings growth amid evolving regulatory scrutiny on large technology platforms and shifting monetary policy expectations. Earnings trends among leading holdings reflect resilience in demand for advanced computing and software solutions, while geopolitical tensions and supply-chain dynamics introduce ongoing sector risks. Broader macroeconomic factors such as interest-rate trajectories and global growth differentials continue to influence capital allocation across these growth-oriented segments.
Performance and Positioning Comparison
In recent market cycles, structural differences have produced varied outcomes. QQEW’s equal weighting has historically tempered drawdowns during periods of mega-cap underperformance while participating in broader rallies. QQQ has delivered consistent trend exposure aligned with the largest constituents, benefiting from scale effects but exhibiting higher concentration risk. QQQA’s momentum filter has generated periods of outperformance during strong trend environments yet introduced greater volatility and potential underperformance during rotations away from recent leaders. Relative positioning reflects trade-offs between diversification depth, cost efficiency, and tactical responsiveness.
AI Screener
Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener helps identify trade ideas, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. Explore the AI Screener to refine your ETF and equity research process.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable structural characteristics, QQQ presents the strongest combination of cost efficiency, liquidity, and comprehensive Nasdaq-100 exposure for most investors seeking core positioning. QQEW offers a compelling alternative where broader diversification within the universe is prioritized. QQQA suits investors comfortable with higher fees and momentum-driven volatility in pursuit of tactical outperformance. The AI assessment favors QQQ for its balanced risk-adjusted profile across market environments.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
QQEW's Stochastic Oscillator stays in oversold zone for 7 days
The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an uptrend is expected.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +1.24% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QQEW advanced for three days, in 277 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
QQEW may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 264 of 316 cases where QQEW Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 84%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QQEW as a result. In 64 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QQEW turned negative on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 42 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 88%.
QQEW moved below its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for QQEW crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QQEW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
QQQ sees MACD Histogram just turned negative
QQQ saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 13, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 42 of the 46 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QQQ as a result. In 73 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 87%.
QQQ moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for QQQ crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 15 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 90%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QQQ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where QQQ's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 24 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 7 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +1.34% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QQQ advanced for three days, in 313 of 368 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
QQQ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 316 of 353 cases where QQQ Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 90%.
QQQA sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
QQQA saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 13, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 41 of the 49 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 84%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QQQA as a result. In 66 of 79 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 84%.
QQQA moved below its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for QQQA crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QQQA declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator entered the oversold zone -- be on the watch for QQQA's price rising or consolidating in the future. That's also the time to consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 7 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +0.74% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QQQA advanced for three days, in 297 of 352 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
QQQA may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 314 of 350 cases where QQQA Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 90%.
| QQEW | QQQ | QQQA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 90% | 2 days ago 89% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 1 day ago 89% | 2 days ago 89% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 1 day ago 87% | 2 days ago 84% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 88% | 1 day ago 90% | 2 days ago 84% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 1 day ago 81% | 2 days ago 77% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 1 day ago 85% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 86% | 18 days ago 85% | 19 days ago 84% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 76% | 1 day ago 81% | 8 days ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 1 day ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 1 day ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
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QQEW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QQEW has been closely correlated with SWKS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 72% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if QQEW jumps, then SWKS could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QQEW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QQEW | 100% | -2.11% | ||
| SWKS - QQEW | 72% Closely correlated | +0.21% | ||
| CDNS - QQEW | 67% Closely correlated | -5.04% | ||
| ARM - QQEW | 61% Loosely correlated | -7.28% | ||
| ZM - QQEW | 60% Loosely correlated | -3.26% | ||
| SNPS - QQEW | 57% Loosely correlated | -6.36% | ||
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QQQA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QQQA has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if QQQA jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QQQA | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QQQA | 100% | -5.46% | ||
| LRCX - QQQA | 76% Closely correlated | -11.76% | ||
| AMAT - QQQA | 72% Closely correlated | -8.16% | ||
| ASML - QQQA | 71% Closely correlated | -6.93% | ||
| KLAC - QQQA | 69% Closely correlated | -9.55% | ||
| INTU - QQQA | 69% Closely correlated | +5.75% | ||
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