BDEC vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBDECQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.18%
AUM$218M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings6108
YTD Return+10.07%+17.85%
1Y Return+18.42%+26.45%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.55%+26.07%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.26%+15.16%
Volatility (annualized)12.0%30.6%
Max Drawdown-25.6%-83.0%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 29, 2019Mar 10, 1999

BDEC vs QQQ Performance

Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - December (BDEC) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BDEC returned +18.42% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, BDEC is up 10.07% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.

Over three years, BDEC compounded at +14.55% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.26% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +11.54%. 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 12.0% for BDEC. 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 -25.6% for BDEC 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BDEC 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, BDEC currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BDEC or QQQ?

BDEC 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, BDEC or QQQ?

Over the past year BDEC returned +18.42% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BDEC annualized +11.54% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BDEC or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.0% for BDEC. Worst drawdown: BDEC -25.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both BDEC and QQQ?

BDEC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BDEC or QQQ?

BDEC yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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