IMAY vs QQQ
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - May 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 | IMAY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $55M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.70% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IMAY vs QQQ Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - May (IMAY) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IMAY returned +13.70% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, IMAY is up 8.92% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.3% for IMAY. 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 -9.4% for IMAY 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMAY charges 0.85% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $18 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMAY currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMAY or QQQ?
IMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMAY or QQQ?
Over the past year IMAY returned +13.70% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IMAY annualized +12.74% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMAY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.3% for IMAY. Worst drawdown: IMAY -9.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IMAY and QQQ?
IMAY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMAY or QQQ?
IMAY yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.