BOXX vs QQQ
Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box 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 | BOXX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $13.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.34% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.08% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.70% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 28, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BOXX vs QQQ Performance
Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BOXX returned +4.08% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, BOXX is up 2.34% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, BOXX compounded at +4.70% per year against +25.79% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +4.70%. 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 0.3% for BOXX. 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 -0.1% for BOXX 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 -0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOXX charges 0.19% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOXX currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOXX or QQQ?
BOXX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOXX or QQQ?
Over the past year BOXX returned +4.08% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BOXX annualized +4.70% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOXX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 0.3% for BOXX. Worst drawdown: BOXX -0.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BOXX and QQQ?
BOXX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXX or QQQ?
BOXX yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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