AUGZ vs QQQ
TrueShares Structured Outcome August 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 | AUGZ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $44M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.07% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.61% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.10% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.16% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | TrueShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AUGZ vs QQQ Performance
TrueShares Structured Outcome August ETF (AUGZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AUGZ returned +15.61% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, AUGZ is up 10.07% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, AUGZ compounded at +16.10% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.16% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +12.94%. 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 11.1% for AUGZ. 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 -15.7% for AUGZ 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AUGZ 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, AUGZ currently yields 3.39% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AUGZ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, AUGZ or QQQ?
AUGZ 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, AUGZ or QQQ?
Over the past year AUGZ returned +15.61% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AUGZ annualized +12.94% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AUGZ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.1% for AUGZ. Worst drawdown: AUGZ -15.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AUGZ and QQQ?
AUGZ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 AUGZ and QQQ?
AUGZ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AUGZ or QQQ?
AUGZ yields 3.39% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AUGZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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