BUI vs QQQ
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust 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 | BUI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $732M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.56% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.69% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.68% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.21% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.84% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BUI vs QQQ Performance
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (BUI) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BUI returned +10.68% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, BUI is up 7.69% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, BUI compounded at +15.21% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.84% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +4.77%. 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 16.6% for BUI. 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 -48.3% for BUI 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUI charges 1.07% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $18 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUI currently yields 9.56% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BUI and QQQ share 5 holdings out of 150 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUI or QQQ?
BUI has an expense ratio of 1.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUI or QQQ?
Over the past year BUI returned +10.68% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BUI annualized +4.77% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for BUI. Worst drawdown: BUI -48.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BUI and QQQ?
BUI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUI and QQQ?
BUI and QQQ share 5 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 150 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUI or QQQ?
BUI yields 9.56% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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