APIE vs QQQ
ActivePassive International Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. APIE offers more diversification with 551 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | APIE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 551 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.05% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.17% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Envestnet Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
APIE vs QQQ Performance
ActivePassive International Equity ETF (APIE) is a ETF from Envestnet Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year APIE returned +21.17% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, APIE is up 10.05% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, APIE compounded at +18.72% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, APIE has the edge at +16.83% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 12.3% for APIE. 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 -15.9% for APIE 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APIE charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APIE currently yields 3.38% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
APIE and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 629 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, APIE or QQQ?
APIE has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APIE or QQQ?
Over the past year APIE returned +21.17% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APIE annualized +16.83% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APIE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.3% for APIE. Worst drawdown: APIE -15.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both APIE and QQQ?
APIE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between APIE and QQQ?
APIE and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 629 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APIE or QQQ?
APIE yields 3.38% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so APIE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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