AIPO vs QQQ
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. AIPO delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIPO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $985M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +25.14% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.30% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AIPO vs QQQ Performance
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AIPO returned +47.30% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, AIPO is up 25.14% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIPO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.2% 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 -24.4% for AIPO 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIPO charges 0.69% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $18 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIPO currently yields 0.01% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AIPO and QQQ share 9 holdings out of 175 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIPO or QQQ?
AIPO has an expense ratio of 0.69% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIPO or QQQ?
Over the past year AIPO returned +47.30% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so AIPO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AIPO annualized +39.06% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIPO or QQQ?
AIPO has been the more volatile fund at 36.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: AIPO -24.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AIPO and QQQ?
AIPO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIPO and QQQ?
AIPO and QQQ share 9 common holdings with a 11.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIPO or QQQ?
AIPO yields 0.01% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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