MARU vs QQQ
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Mar 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 | MARU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $35M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.07% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.02% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | AllianzIM | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MARU vs QQQ Performance
AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Mar ETF (MARU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MARU returned +15.02% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, MARU is up 10.07% 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 8.8% for MARU. 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 -8.5% for MARU 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARU 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, MARU currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MARU or QQQ?
MARU 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, MARU or QQQ?
Over the past year MARU returned +15.02% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MARU annualized +15.91% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.8% for MARU. Worst drawdown: MARU -8.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MARU and QQQ?
MARU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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, MARU or QQQ?
MARU yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, 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.