KSEP vs QQQ
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - September 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 | KSEP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $24M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.43% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.47% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KSEP vs QQQ Performance
Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - September (KSEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KSEP returned +20.47% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, KSEP is up 11.43% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 8.6% for KSEP. 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 -14.9% for KSEP 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSEP 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, KSEP currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KSEP or QQQ?
KSEP 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, KSEP or QQQ?
Over the past year KSEP returned +20.47% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KSEP annualized +12.26% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSEP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.6% for KSEP. Worst drawdown: KSEP -14.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KSEP and QQQ?
KSEP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSEP or QQQ?
KSEP yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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