AVDS vs QQQ
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVDS offers more diversification with 1924 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVDS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $318M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 3,038 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.99% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.28% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.78% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AVDS vs QQQ Performance
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AVDS returned +26.28% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, AVDS is up 14.99% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, AVDS compounded at +20.78% per year against +26.25% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, AVDS has the edge at +19.24% annualized vs +13.15%. 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 14.5% for AVDS. 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 -13.5% for AVDS 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVDS charges 0.30% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $18 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVDS currently yields 2.32% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AVDS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 2027 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, AVDS or QQQ?
AVDS has an expense ratio of 0.30% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVDS or QQQ?
Over the past year AVDS returned +26.28% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AVDS annualized +19.24% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVDS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.5% for AVDS. Worst drawdown: AVDS -13.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AVDS and QQQ?
AVDS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVDS and QQQ?
AVDS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2027 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVDS or QQQ?
AVDS yields 2.32% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so AVDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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