NSEP vs QQQ
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September 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 | NSEP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $33M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.46% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.55% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NSEP vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF - September (NSEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NSEP returned +13.55% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NSEP is up 8.46% 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 7.2% for NSEP. 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 -12.3% for NSEP 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSEP 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, NSEP currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSEP or QQQ?
NSEP 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, NSEP or QQQ?
Over the past year NSEP returned +13.55% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NSEP annualized +14.73% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSEP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.2% for NSEP. Worst drawdown: NSEP -12.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NSEP and QQQ?
NSEP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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, NSEP or QQQ?
NSEP yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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