AAPR vs QQQ
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to April 2026 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 | AAPR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $73M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.94% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.86% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AAPR vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to April 2026 (AAPR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AAPR returned +7.86% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, AAPR is up 4.94% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.0% for AAPR. 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 -6.0% for AAPR 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
AAPR charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPR currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AAPR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, AAPR or QQQ?
AAPR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAPR or QQQ?
Over the past year AAPR returned +7.86% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AAPR annualized +7.99% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.0% for AAPR. Worst drawdown: AAPR -6.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AAPR and QQQ?
AAPR 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 AAPR and QQQ?
AAPR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPR or QQQ?
AAPR yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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