APUE vs QQQ
ActivePassive US Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. APUE offers more diversification with 442 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | APUE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 442 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.99% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.07% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.68% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Envestnet Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
APUE vs QQQ Performance
ActivePassive US Equity ETF (APUE) is a ETF from Envestnet Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year APUE returned +23.07% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, APUE is up 14.99% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, APUE compounded at +21.68% per year against +26.64% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, APUE has the edge at +22.95% annualized vs +13.14%. 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 13.1% for APUE. 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 -19.1% for APUE 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APUE charges 0.31% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $18 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APUE currently yields 0.75% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
APUE and QQQ share 92 holdings out of 460 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, APUE or QQQ?
APUE has an expense ratio of 0.31% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APUE or QQQ?
Over the past year APUE returned +23.07% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APUE annualized +22.95% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APUE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.1% for APUE. Worst drawdown: APUE -19.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both APUE and QQQ?
APUE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between APUE and QQQ?
APUE and QQQ share 92 common holdings with a 48.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 460 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APUE or QQQ?
APUE yields 0.75% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so APUE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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