AMLP vs QQQ
Alerian MLP ETF 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 | AMLP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $13.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.28% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.68% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.67% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.54% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.06% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AMLP vs QQQ Performance
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AMLP returned +23.67% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, AMLP is up 22.68% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, AMLP compounded at +19.54% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +21.06% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +0.97%. 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 25.4% for AMLP. 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 -85.4% for AMLP 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AMLP charges 1.01% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $18 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AMLP currently yields 7.28% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AMLP and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 116 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, AMLP or QQQ?
AMLP has an expense ratio of 1.01% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AMLP or QQQ?
Over the past year AMLP returned +23.67% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AMLP annualized +0.97% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AMLP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.4% for AMLP. Worst drawdown: AMLP -85.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AMLP and QQQ?
AMLP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AMLP and QQQ?
AMLP and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 116 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AMLP or QQQ?
AMLP yields 7.28% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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