AHLT vs QQQ
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. AHLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. AHLT offers more diversification with 255 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AHLT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $49M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 255 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.54% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.07% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.33% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | American Beacon Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AHLT vs QQQ Performance
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) is a ETF from American Beacon Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AHLT returned +35.07% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, AHLT is up 10.54% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, AHLT compounded at +7.33% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.33%. 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 14.6% for AHLT. 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 -20.2% for AHLT 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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AHLT 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, AHLT currently yields 1.54% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AHLT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, AHLT or QQQ?
AHLT 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, AHLT or QQQ?
Over the past year AHLT returned +35.07% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so AHLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AHLT annualized +7.33% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AHLT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.6% for AHLT. Worst drawdown: AHLT -20.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AHLT and QQQ?
AHLT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AHLT and QQQ?
AHLT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AHLT or QQQ?
AHLT yields 1.54% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AHLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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