AIBU vs QQQ
Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. AIBU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIBU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $26M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +37.02% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.61% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 57.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AIBU vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X ETF (AIBU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AIBU returned +44.61% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, AIBU is up 37.02% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIBU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.6% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -51.2% for AIBU 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIBU 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, AIBU currently yields 1.85% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AIBU and QQQ share 13 holdings out of 123 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIBU or QQQ?
AIBU 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, AIBU or QQQ?
Over the past year AIBU returned +44.61% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so AIBU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AIBU annualized +55.80% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIBU or QQQ?
AIBU has been the more volatile fund at 57.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: AIBU -51.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AIBU and QQQ?
AIBU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 AIBU and QQQ?
AIBU and QQQ share 13 common holdings with a 37.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIBU or QQQ?
AIBU yields 1.85% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AIBU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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