BUYW vs QQQ
Main BuyWrite 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUYW | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.92% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.03% | +16.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.31% | +24.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.45% | +25.48% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BUYW vs QQQ Performance
Main BuyWrite ETF (BUYW) is a ETF from Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BUYW returned +4.31% while QQQ returned +24.83%. Year to date, BUYW is up 2.03% versus a gain of 16.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, BUYW compounded at +7.45% per year against +25.48% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +8.64%. 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 4.6% for BUYW. 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 -9.4% for BUYW 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUYW charges 0.99% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $18 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUYW currently yields 5.92% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BUYW and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 111 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, BUYW or QQQ?
BUYW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUYW or QQQ?
Over the past year BUYW returned +4.31% vs +24.83% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BUYW annualized +8.64% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUYW or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.6% for BUYW. Worst drawdown: BUYW -9.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BUYW and QQQ?
BUYW and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUYW and QQQ?
BUYW and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUYW or QQQ?
BUYW yields 5.92% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so BUYW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.