AGEM vs QQQ
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. AGEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGEM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $367M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +24.02% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.94% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.65% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +40.65% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1993 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AGEM vs QQQ Performance
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AGEM returned +40.94% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, AGEM is up 24.02% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, AGEM compounded at +40.65% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +40.65% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +5.69%. 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 23.6% for AGEM. 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 -33.5% for AGEM 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGEM charges 0.70% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $18 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGEM currently yields 1.90% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AGEM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 191 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, AGEM or QQQ?
AGEM has an expense ratio of 0.70% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGEM or QQQ?
Over the past year AGEM returned +40.94% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so AGEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), AGEM annualized +5.69% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGEM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.6% for AGEM. Worst drawdown: AGEM -33.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AGEM and QQQ?
AGEM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGEM and QQQ?
AGEM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGEM or QQQ?
AGEM yields 1.90% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AGEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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