HELO vs QQQ
JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HELO offers more diversification with 163 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HELO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4.8B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.82% | +16.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.83% | +24.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +25.48% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HELO vs QQQ Performance
JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HELO returned +8.83% while QQQ returned +24.83%. Year to date, HELO is up 4.82% versus a gain of 16.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, HELO compounded at +12.77% per year against +25.48% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +12.77%. 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 7.4% for HELO. 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 -10.9% for HELO 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HELO charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HELO currently yields 0.63% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HELO and QQQ share 42 holdings out of 213 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HELO or QQQ?
HELO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HELO or QQQ?
Over the past year HELO returned +8.83% vs +24.83% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HELO annualized +12.77% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HELO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.4% for HELO. Worst drawdown: HELO -10.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HELO and QQQ?
HELO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HELO and QQQ?
HELO and QQQ share 42 common holdings with a 51.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 213 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HELO or QQQ?
HELO yields 0.63% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HELO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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