EPRF vs QQQ
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred 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 | EPRF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $68M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.71% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -6.38% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.16% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.98% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.19% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EPRF vs QQQ Performance
Innovator S&P Investment Grade Preferred ETF (EPRF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year EPRF returned -7.16% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, EPRF is down 6.38% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, EPRF compounded at +0.98% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -3.19% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +0.76%. 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 10.6% for EPRF. 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 -26.8% for EPRF 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPRF charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPRF currently yields 5.71% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EPRF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 171 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, EPRF or QQQ?
EPRF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPRF or QQQ?
Over the past year EPRF returned -7.16% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EPRF annualized +0.76% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPRF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.6% for EPRF. Worst drawdown: EPRF -26.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EPRF and QQQ?
EPRF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPRF and QQQ?
EPRF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 171 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPRF or QQQ?
EPRF yields 5.71% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EPRF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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