BRW vs QQQ
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRW offers more diversification with 1,064 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRW | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.43% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $366M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.86% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,064 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.62% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.62% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.52% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.69% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 1988 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BRW vs QQQ Performance
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund (BRW) is a ETF from Saba Capital and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BRW returned -10.62% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, BRW is up 0.62% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, BRW compounded at +8.52% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.69% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -1.15%. 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 14.0% for BRW. 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 -75.3% for BRW 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRW charges 1.43% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $143 vs $18 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRW currently yields 13.86% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BRW and QQQ share 24 holdings out of 610 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRW or QQQ?
BRW has an expense ratio of 1.43% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRW or QQQ?
Over the past year BRW returned -10.62% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), BRW annualized -1.15% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRW or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.0% for BRW. Worst drawdown: BRW -75.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BRW and QQQ?
BRW and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRW and QQQ?
BRW and QQQ share 24 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRW or QQQ?
BRW yields 13.86% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so BRW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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