NJAN vs QQQ
Innovator Growth 100 Power Buffer ETF - January vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, NJAN or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | NJAN | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $352M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 12 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +9.84% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.88% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.99% | +25.63%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.87% | +15.24%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1%Best | 21.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,605 | $20,324Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jan 1, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2020 to Sep 18, 2026 (6.7 years).
NJAN 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 6.7 years both funds cover.
NJAN vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Growth 100 Power Buffer ETF - January (NJAN) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NJAN returned +13.88% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, NJAN is up 9.84% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Over three years, NJAN compounded at +13.99% per year against +25.63% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.87% and +15.24% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +20.25% annualized vs +8.35%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% compared with 10.1% for NJAN. 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 -20.7% for NJAN and -35.1% 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NJAN 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, NJAN currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NJAN 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, NJAN or QQQ?
NJAN has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $61 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, NJAN or QQQ?
Over the past year NJAN returned +13.88% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NJAN annualized +8.35% vs +20.25% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, NJAN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 10.1% for NJAN. Worst drawdown: NJAN -20.7% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both NJAN and QQQ?
NJAN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, 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, NJAN or QQQ?
NJAN yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than NJAN?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.