HCOW vs QQQ
Amplify COWS Covered Call 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 | HCOW | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $18M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.55% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.67% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.20% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.90% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HCOW vs QQQ Performance
Amplify COWS Covered Call ETF (HCOW) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HCOW returned +21.20% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, HCOW is up 15.67% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Over three years, HCOW compounded at +12.90% per year against +25.47% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +12.90%. 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 14.6% for HCOW. 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 HCOW 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HCOW charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HCOW currently yields 12.55% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HCOW and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 140 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, HCOW or QQQ?
HCOW has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HCOW or QQQ?
Over the past year HCOW returned +21.20% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HCOW annualized +12.90% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HCOW or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.6% for HCOW. Worst drawdown: HCOW -24.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HCOW and QQQ?
HCOW and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HCOW and QQQ?
HCOW and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 140 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCOW or QQQ?
HCOW yields 12.55% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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