BRTR vs QQQ
iShares Total Return Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRTR offers more diversification with 2,915 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRTR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $748M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.75% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 2,915 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.99% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BRTR vs QQQ Performance
iShares Total Return Active ETF (BRTR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BRTR returned +2.99% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, BRTR is down 0.04% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.9% for BRTR. 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 -4.7% for BRTR 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRTR charges 0.38% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $18 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRTR currently yields 4.75% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BRTR and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRTR or QQQ?
BRTR has an expense ratio of 0.38% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRTR or QQQ?
Over the past year BRTR returned +2.99% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BRTR annualized +4.73% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRTR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.9% for BRTR. Worst drawdown: BRTR -4.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BRTR and QQQ?
BRTR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRTR and QQQ?
BRTR and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRTR or QQQ?
BRTR yields 4.75% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so BRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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