ETHO vs QQQ
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership US ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ETHO delivered stronger 1-year returns. ETHO offers more diversification with 288 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ETHO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $196M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +23.75% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.01% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.33% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.97% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ETHO vs QQQ Performance
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership US ETF (ETHO) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ETHO returned +36.01% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, ETHO is up 23.75% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, ETHO compounded at +17.33% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.97% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +12.60%. 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 17.6% for ETHO. 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 -36.7% for ETHO 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETHO charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETHO currently yields 0.70% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ETHO and QQQ share 23 holdings out of 363 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETHO or QQQ?
ETHO has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETHO or QQQ?
Over the past year ETHO returned +36.01% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so ETHO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ETHO annualized +12.60% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETHO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.6% for ETHO. Worst drawdown: ETHO -36.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ETHO and QQQ?
ETHO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETHO and QQQ?
ETHO and QQQ share 23 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 363 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETHO or QQQ?
ETHO yields 0.70% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ETHO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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