BUSA vs QQQ
Brandes US Value 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 | BUSA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $311M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.10% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.21% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Brandes Investment Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BUSA vs QQQ Performance
Brandes US Value ETF (BUSA) is a ETF from Brandes Investment Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BUSA returned +24.21% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, BUSA is up 14.10% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.3% for BUSA. 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 -14.2% for BUSA 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUSA charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUSA currently yields 1.46% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUSA or QQQ?
BUSA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUSA or QQQ?
Over the past year BUSA returned +24.21% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUSA annualized +19.88% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUSA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.3% for BUSA. Worst drawdown: BUSA -14.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BUSA and QQQ?
BUSA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUSA and QQQ?
BUSA and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 165 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUSA or QQQ?
BUSA yields 1.46% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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