MGMT vs QQQ
Ballast Small/Mid Cap 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 | MGMT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.10% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $176M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.30% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.08% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.13% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.96% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.64% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Ballast Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 2, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MGMT vs QQQ Performance
Ballast Small/Mid Cap ETF (MGMT) is a ETF from Ballast Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MGMT returned +21.13% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, MGMT is up 16.08% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, MGMT compounded at +14.96% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.64% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, MGMT has the edge at +13.92% annualized vs +13.05%. 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 18.1% for MGMT. 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 -24.9% for MGMT 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGMT charges 1.10% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $110 vs $18 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGMT currently yields 0.30% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MGMT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 157 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, MGMT or QQQ?
MGMT has an expense ratio of 1.10% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MGMT or QQQ?
Over the past year MGMT returned +21.13% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MGMT annualized +13.92% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MGMT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.1% for MGMT. Worst drawdown: MGMT -24.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MGMT and QQQ?
MGMT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MGMT and QQQ?
MGMT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 157 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGMT or QQQ?
MGMT yields 0.30% 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.