BUFC vs QQQ
AB Conservative Buffer ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, BUFC or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFC | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $1.1B | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 7 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +4.54% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.89% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.63% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.24% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5%Best | 16.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3%Best | -22.8% |
| $10,000 over 2.8 years | $12,328 | $18,292Best |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 13, 2023 to Sep 18, 2026 (2.8 years).
BUFC vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.8 years both funds cover.
BUFC vs QQQ Performance
AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC) is an ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BUFC returned +6.89% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, BUFC is up 4.54% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 3.5% for BUFC. 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 -8.3% for BUFC and -22.8% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFC charges 0.69% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $18 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFC currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BUFC and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFC or QQQ?
BUFC has an expense ratio of 0.69% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $51 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BUFC or QQQ?
Over the past year BUFC returned +6.89% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BUFC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 3.5% for BUFC. Worst drawdown: BUFC -8.3% vs QQQ -22.8%.
Should I hold both BUFC and QQQ?
BUFC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFC or QQQ?
BUFC yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than BUFC?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.