APLY vs QQQ
YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | APLY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.06% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $130M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 37.96% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.89% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.24% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.82% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 17, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
APLY vs QQQ Performance
YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF (APLY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year APLY returned +16.24% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, APLY is up 3.89% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, APLY compounded at +9.82% per year against +26.25% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +11.18%. 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 16.6% for APLY. 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 -31.1% for APLY 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APLY charges 1.06% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $106 vs $18 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APLY currently yields 37.96% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
APLY and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 105 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, APLY or QQQ?
APLY has an expense ratio of 1.06% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APLY or QQQ?
Over the past year APLY returned +16.24% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APLY annualized +11.18% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APLY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for APLY. Worst drawdown: APLY -31.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both APLY and QQQ?
APLY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between APLY and QQQ?
APLY and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APLY or QQQ?
APLY yields 37.96% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so APLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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