AAPD vs QQQ
Direxion Daily AAPL Bear 1X 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 | AAPD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $49M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.52% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -14.11% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | -27.67% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -17.70% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AAPD vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily AAPL Bear 1X ETF (AAPD) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AAPD returned -27.67% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, AAPD is down 14.11% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, AAPD compounded at -17.70% per year against +25.75% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -15.49%. 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 22.9% for AAPD. 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 -63.0% for AAPD 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 -0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPD charges 0.96% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $18 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPD currently yields 3.52% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AAPD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 106 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, AAPD or QQQ?
AAPD has an expense ratio of 0.96% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAPD or QQQ?
Over the past year AAPD returned -27.67% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPD annualized -15.49% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.9% for AAPD. Worst drawdown: AAPD -63.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AAPD and QQQ?
AAPD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAPD and QQQ?
AAPD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPD or QQQ?
AAPD yields 3.52% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AAPD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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