BMAR vs QQQ
Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - March 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 | BMAR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $251M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.23% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.02% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.53% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.04% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BMAR vs QQQ Performance
Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - March (BMAR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BMAR returned +17.02% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, BMAR is up 11.23% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, BMAR compounded at +16.53% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.04% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +13.07%. 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 10.0% for BMAR. 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 -21.4% for BMAR 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMAR 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, BMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMAR or QQQ?
BMAR 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, BMAR or QQQ?
Over the past year BMAR returned +17.02% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BMAR annualized +13.07% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMAR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.0% for BMAR. Worst drawdown: BMAR -21.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BMAR and QQQ?
BMAR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMAR or QQQ?
BMAR yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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