BAFE vs QQQ
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAFE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.78% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.85% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Brown Advisory | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BAFE vs QQQ Performance
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BAFE returned +16.85% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, BAFE is up 10.78% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 13.8% for BAFE. 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 -18.4% for BAFE 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAFE charges 0.54% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $18 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAFE currently yields 0.28% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BAFE and QQQ share 15 holdings out of 132 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAFE or QQQ?
BAFE has an expense ratio of 0.54% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAFE or QQQ?
Over the past year BAFE returned +16.85% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAFE annualized +11.81% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAFE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.8% for BAFE. Worst drawdown: BAFE -18.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BAFE and QQQ?
BAFE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAFE and QQQ?
BAFE and QQQ share 15 common holdings with a 28.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAFE or QQQ?
BAFE yields 0.28% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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