MARZ vs QQQ
TrueShares Structured Outcome March 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 | MARZ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $34M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.08% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.15% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.47% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.41% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.74% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | TrueShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MARZ vs QQQ Performance
TrueShares Structured Outcome March ETF (MARZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MARZ returned +11.47% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, MARZ is up 10.15% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, MARZ compounded at +13.41% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.74% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +10.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 11.1% for MARZ. 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 -18.9% for MARZ 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARZ 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, MARZ currently yields 3.08% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MARZ 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, MARZ or QQQ?
MARZ 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, MARZ or QQQ?
Over the past year MARZ returned +11.47% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MARZ annualized +10.12% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARZ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.1% for MARZ. Worst drawdown: MARZ -18.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MARZ and QQQ?
MARZ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MARZ and QQQ?
MARZ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARZ or QQQ?
MARZ yields 3.08% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MARZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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