APRJ vs QQQ
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - April 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 | APRJ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $32M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.82% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.22% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.52% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.18% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
APRJ vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - April (APRJ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year APRJ returned +0.52% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, APRJ is up 1.22% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, APRJ compounded at +4.18% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.63%. 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 2.3% for APRJ. 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 -4.7% for APRJ 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APRJ charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APRJ currently yields 4.82% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, APRJ or QQQ?
APRJ has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APRJ or QQQ?
Over the past year APRJ returned +0.52% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APRJ annualized +4.63% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APRJ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.3% for APRJ. Worst drawdown: APRJ -4.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both APRJ and QQQ?
APRJ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, APRJ or QQQ?
APRJ yields 4.82% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so APRJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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