MMAX vs QQQ
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer 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 | MMAX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $73M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.16% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.65% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MMAX vs QQQ Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MMAX returned +5.65% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, MMAX is up 4.16% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 1.5% for MMAX. 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 -1.9% for MMAX 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MMAX 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, MMAX currently yields 0.77% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MMAX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 105 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, MMAX or QQQ?
MMAX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MMAX or QQQ?
Over the past year MMAX returned +5.65% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MMAX annualized +6.35% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MMAX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.5% for MMAX. Worst drawdown: MMAX -1.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MMAX and QQQ?
MMAX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MMAX and QQQ?
MMAX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MMAX or QQQ?
MMAX yields 0.77% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MMAX 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.