AOM vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

AOM has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: AOMHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAOMQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.18%
AUM$1.7B$455.8B
Dividend Yield2.98%0.41%
Holdings9108
YTD Return+5.84%+18.31%
1Y Return+10.99%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.01%+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.69%+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)7.3%30.6%
Max Drawdown-20.0%-83.0%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionNov 4, 2008Mar 10, 1999

AOM vs QQQ Performance

iShares Core 40/60 Moderate Allocation ETF (AOM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AOM returned +10.99% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, AOM is up 5.84% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Over three years, AOM compounded at +11.01% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.69% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +5.11%. 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 7.3% for AOM. 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 -20.0% for AOM 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AOM charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOM currently yields 2.98% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

AOM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 111 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, AOM or QQQ?

AOM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. AOM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AOM or QQQ?

Over the past year AOM returned +10.99% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AOM annualized +5.11% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AOM or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.3% for AOM. Worst drawdown: AOM -20.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both AOM and QQQ?

AOM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AOM and QQQ?

AOM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AOM or QQQ?

AOM yields 2.98% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so AOM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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