AADR vs QQQ
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AADR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $38M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -3.77% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.09% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.57% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.01% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AADR vs QQQ Performance
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF (AADR) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AADR returned +4.09% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, AADR is down 3.77% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, AADR compounded at +19.57% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.01% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +8.43%. 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 17.6% for AADR. 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 -45.6% for AADR 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AADR charges 1.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $18 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AADR currently yields 0.84% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AADR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 139 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, AADR or QQQ?
AADR has an expense ratio of 1.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AADR or QQQ?
Over the past year AADR returned +4.09% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AADR annualized +8.43% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AADR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.6% for AADR. Worst drawdown: AADR -45.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AADR and QQQ?
AADR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AADR and QQQ?
AADR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AADR or QQQ?
AADR yields 0.84% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AADR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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