NOCT vs QQQ
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - October 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 | NOCT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $226M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.96% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.68% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.83% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NOCT vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - October (NOCT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NOCT returned +13.68% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, NOCT is up 9.96% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, NOCT compounded at +14.83% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.38% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +11.21%. 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 9.1% for NOCT. 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 -16.2% for NOCT 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NOCT 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, NOCT currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NOCT or QQQ?
NOCT has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NOCT or QQQ?
Over the past year NOCT returned +13.68% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NOCT annualized +11.21% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NOCT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.1% for NOCT. Worst drawdown: NOCT -16.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NOCT and QQQ?
NOCT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, NOCT or QQQ?
NOCT yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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