APPX vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAPPXQQQWinner
Expense Ratio1.30%0.18%
AUM$65M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings10108
YTD Return-58.32%+18.31%
1Y Return-38.88%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+36.38%+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)+36.38%+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)168.2%30.6%
Max Drawdown-81.4%-83.0%
Fund FamilyTradr ETFsInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 24, 2025Mar 10, 1999

APPX vs QQQ Performance

Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year APPX returned -38.88% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, APPX is down 58.32% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Over three years, APPX compounded at +36.38% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +36.38% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +6.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

APPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 168.2% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -81.4% for APPX 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

APPX charges 1.30% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $18 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APPX currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, APPX or QQQ?

APPX has an expense ratio of 1.30% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.

Which performed better, APPX or QQQ?

Over the past year APPX returned -38.88% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), APPX annualized +6.05% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, APPX or QQQ?

APPX has been the more volatile fund at 168.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: APPX -81.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both APPX and QQQ?

APPX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, APPX or QQQ?

APPX yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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