AJUL vs QQQ
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AJUL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $90M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.73% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.46% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AJUL vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 2 Yr to July 2026 (AJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AJUL returned +7.46% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, AJUL is up 4.73% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.4% for AJUL. 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 -6.1% for AJUL 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AJUL charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AJUL currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AJUL or QQQ?
AJUL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AJUL or QQQ?
Over the past year AJUL returned +7.46% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AJUL annualized +8.03% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AJUL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.4% for AJUL. Worst drawdown: AJUL -6.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AJUL and QQQ?
AJUL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, AJUL or QQQ?
AJUL yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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