BLOK vs QQQ
Amplify Blockchain Technology 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 | BLOK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.59% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.19% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +43.96% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 16, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BLOK vs QQQ Performance
Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BLOK returned +8.19% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, BLOK is up 4.59% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, BLOK compounded at +43.96% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.67% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BLOK has the edge at +15.91% annualized vs +13.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLOK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.1% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -73.3% for BLOK 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLOK charges 0.70% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $18 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLOK currently yields 0.82% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BLOK and QQQ share 6 holdings out of 148 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLOK or QQQ?
BLOK has an expense ratio of 0.70% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLOK or QQQ?
Over the past year BLOK returned +8.19% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BLOK annualized +15.91% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLOK or QQQ?
BLOK has been the more volatile fund at 40.1% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: BLOK -73.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BLOK and QQQ?
BLOK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLOK and QQQ?
BLOK and QQQ share 6 common holdings with a 8.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 148 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLOK or QQQ?
BLOK yields 0.82% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so BLOK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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