AAUS vs QQQ
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
AAUS has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. AAUS offers more diversification with 354 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $510M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 354 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.69% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AAUS vs QQQ Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AAUS returned +20.69% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, AAUS is up 11.78% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.6% for AAUS. 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 -9.1% for AAUS 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAUS charges 0.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAUS currently yields 0.34% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AAUS and QQQ share 80 holdings out of 369 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUS or QQQ?
AAUS has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. AAUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAUS or QQQ?
Over the past year AAUS returned +20.69% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAUS annualized +20.89% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAUS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.6% for AAUS. Worst drawdown: AAUS -9.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AAUS and QQQ?
AAUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AAUS and QQQ?
AAUS and QQQ share 80 common holdings with a 54.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 369 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUS or QQQ?
AAUS yields 0.34% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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