MARO vs QQQ
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy 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 | MARO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $42M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 202.89% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -7.27% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | -41.97% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MARO vs QQQ Performance
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (MARO) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MARO returned -41.97% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, MARO is down 7.27% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MARO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.0% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -71.8% for MARO 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARO charges 1.00% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $18 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARO currently yields 202.89% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MARO and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MARO or QQQ?
MARO has an expense ratio of 1.00% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARO or QQQ?
Over the past year MARO returned -41.97% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MARO annualized -40.74% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARO or QQQ?
MARO has been the more volatile fund at 52.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MARO -71.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MARO and QQQ?
MARO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARO and QQQ?
MARO and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARO or QQQ?
MARO yields 202.89% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MARO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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