AQWA vs QQQ
Global X Clean Water 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQWA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $23M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.29% | +16.30% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.61% | +24.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.97% | +25.48% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.27% | +14.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AQWA vs QQQ Performance
Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AQWA returned -1.61% while QQQ returned +24.83%. Year to date, AQWA is up 2.29% versus a gain of 16.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, AQWA compounded at +9.97% per year against +25.48% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.27% and +14.50% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +5.98%. 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 17.3% for AQWA. 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 -29.4% for AQWA 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQWA charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQWA currently yields 1.56% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AQWA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 138 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, AQWA or QQQ?
AQWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AQWA or QQQ?
Over the past year AQWA returned -1.61% vs +24.83% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AQWA annualized +5.98% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQWA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.3% for AQWA. Worst drawdown: AQWA -29.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AQWA and QQQ?
AQWA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AQWA and QQQ?
AQWA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQWA or QQQ?
AQWA yields 1.56% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AQWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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