ACIO vs QQQ
Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ACIO offers more diversification with 217 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACIO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.17% | +15.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.93% | +24.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.22% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +14.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ACIO vs QQQ Performance
Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF (ACIO) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ACIO returned +10.93% while QQQ returned +24.44%. Year to date, ACIO is up 7.17% versus a gain of 15.47% for QQQ.
Over three years, ACIO compounded at +15.22% per year against +25.47% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.40% and +14.22% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs +9.73%. 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 10.1% for ACIO. 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 -14.9% for ACIO 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACIO 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, ACIO currently yields 0.38% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ACIO and QQQ share 56 holdings out of 207 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACIO or QQQ?
ACIO 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, ACIO or QQQ?
Over the past year ACIO returned +10.93% vs +24.44% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), ACIO annualized +9.73% vs +12.99% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACIO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for ACIO. Worst drawdown: ACIO -14.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ACIO and QQQ?
ACIO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACIO and QQQ?
ACIO and QQQ share 56 common holdings with a 51.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 207 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACIO or QQQ?
ACIO yields 0.38% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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