MAXJ vs QQQ
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, MAXJ or QQQ?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MAXJ | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $163M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 6 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +4.35% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.13% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.63% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.24% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2%Best | 17.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3%Best | -22.8% |
| $10,000 over 2.2 years | $11,756 | $15,086Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2024 to Sep 18, 2026 (2.2 years).
MAXJ vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.2 years both funds cover.
MAXJ vs QQQ Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MAXJ returned +5.13% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, MAXJ is up 4.35% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 4.2% for MAXJ. 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 -6.3% for MAXJ and -22.8% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MAXJ charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MAXJ currently yields 0.73% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in MAXJ and 102 in QQQ, totalling 100.6% and 99.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in MAXJ and 102 in QQQ, against full books of 6 and 107.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MAXJ and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MAXJ or QQQ?
MAXJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $32 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MAXJ or QQQ?
Over the past year MAXJ returned +5.13% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MAXJ annualized +7.63% vs +20.55% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MAXJ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 4.2% for MAXJ. Worst drawdown: MAXJ -6.3% vs QQQ -22.8%.
Should I hold both MAXJ and QQQ?
MAXJ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MAXJ or QQQ?
MAXJ yields 0.73% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MAXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than MAXJ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.