COWS vs QQQ
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. COWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $43M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +21.24% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.24% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.10% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
COWS vs QQQ Performance
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF (COWS) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year COWS returned +32.24% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, COWS is up 21.24% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, COWS compounded at +20.10% per year against +26.08% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, COWS has the edge at +20.10% annualized vs +13.05%. 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 15.9% for COWS. 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 -24.8% for COWS 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWS charges 0.19% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWS currently yields 1.53% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
COWS and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 139 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWS or QQQ?
COWS has an expense ratio of 0.19% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWS or QQQ?
Over the past year COWS returned +32.24% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so COWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), COWS annualized +20.10% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.9% for COWS. Worst drawdown: COWS -24.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both COWS and QQQ?
COWS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWS and QQQ?
COWS and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWS or QQQ?
COWS yields 1.53% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so COWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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