CAS vs QQQ
Simplify China A Shares PLUS Income 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 | CAS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $13M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 26.73% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.57% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.29% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CAS vs QQQ Performance
Simplify China A Shares PLUS Income ETF (CAS) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CAS returned -4.29% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, CAS is up 7.57% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 27.7% for CAS. 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 -24.1% for CAS 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAS charges 0.88% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $18 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAS currently yields 26.73% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CAS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, CAS or QQQ?
CAS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAS or QQQ?
Over the past year CAS returned -4.29% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAS annualized +16.83% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 27.7% for CAS. Worst drawdown: CAS -24.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CAS and QQQ?
CAS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAS and QQQ?
CAS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAS or QQQ?
CAS yields 26.73% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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