JANU vs QQQ
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jan 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 | JANU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $85M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.08% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.52% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | AllianzIM | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JANU vs QQQ Performance
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jan ETF (JANU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year JANU returned +15.52% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, JANU is up 10.08% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 9.2% for JANU. 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 -11.8% for JANU 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JANU charges 0.74% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $18 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JANU currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JANU or QQQ?
JANU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JANU or QQQ?
Over the past year JANU returned +15.52% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), JANU annualized +14.33% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JANU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.2% for JANU. Worst drawdown: JANU -11.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JANU and QQQ?
JANU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, JANU or QQQ?
JANU yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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