AFSC vs QQQ
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. AFSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $11M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +25.52% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.47% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 1997 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AFSC vs QQQ Performance
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AFSC returned +32.47% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, AFSC is up 25.52% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 17.8% for AFSC. 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 -21.7% for AFSC 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSC charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSC currently yields 0.06% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AFSC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 146 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, AFSC or QQQ?
AFSC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSC or QQQ?
Over the past year AFSC returned +32.47% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so AFSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFSC annualized +19.04% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.8% for AFSC. Worst drawdown: AFSC -21.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AFSC and QQQ?
AFSC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSC and QQQ?
AFSC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSC or QQQ?
AFSC yields 0.06% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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