KAUG vs QQQ
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - August 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KAUG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $59M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.11% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.58% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KAUG vs QQQ Performance
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - August (KAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KAUG returned +16.58% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, KAUG is up 10.11% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 8.1% for KAUG. 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 -15.7% for KAUG 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KAUG charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KAUG currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KAUG or QQQ?
KAUG has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KAUG or QQQ?
Over the past year KAUG returned +16.58% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KAUG annualized +9.39% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KAUG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.1% for KAUG. Worst drawdown: KAUG -15.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KAUG and QQQ?
KAUG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, KAUG or QQQ?
KAUG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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