MSOS vs QQQ
AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSOS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $837M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -4.80% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.72% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.57% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -33.79% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 72.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MSOS vs QQQ Performance
AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MSOS returned -1.72% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, MSOS is down 4.80% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, MSOS compounded at -2.57% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -33.79% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs -24.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.0% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -96.3% for MSOS 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSOS charges 0.78% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $18 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSOS currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MSOS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 109 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, MSOS or QQQ?
MSOS has an expense ratio of 0.78% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSOS or QQQ?
Over the past year MSOS returned -1.72% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MSOS annualized -24.70% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSOS or QQQ?
MSOS has been the more volatile fund at 72.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MSOS -96.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MSOS and QQQ?
MSOS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSOS and QQQ?
MSOS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSOS or QQQ?
MSOS yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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