AAPU vs QQQ
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. AAPU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAPU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $185M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.08% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.97% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.65% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.67% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AAPU vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF (AAPU) 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 AAPU returned +62.65% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, AAPU is up 17.97% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, AAPU compounded at +30.67% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, AAPU has the edge at +22.74% annualized vs +13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAPU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.9% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -58.6% for AAPU 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPU 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, AAPU currently yields 6.08% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AAPU and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 107 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAPU | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 10.26% | 7.27% | 2.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAPU or QQQ?
AAPU 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, AAPU or QQQ?
Over the past year AAPU returned +62.65% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so AAPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPU annualized +22.74% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPU or QQQ?
AAPU has been the more volatile fund at 43.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: AAPU -58.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AAPU and QQQ?
AAPU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAPU and QQQ?
AAPU and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 107 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPU or QQQ?
AAPU yields 6.08% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AAPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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