PJAN vs QQQ
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - January 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 | PJAN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.31% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.66% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.88% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.04% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PJAN vs QQQ Performance
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - January (PJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PJAN returned +12.66% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PJAN is up 7.31% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PJAN compounded at +12.88% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.04% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.47%. 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 8.4% for PJAN. 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 -21.3% for PJAN 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PJAN 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, PJAN currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PJAN or QQQ?
PJAN 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, PJAN or QQQ?
Over the past year PJAN returned +12.66% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PJAN annualized +9.47% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PJAN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.4% for PJAN. Worst drawdown: PJAN -21.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PJAN and QQQ?
PJAN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PJAN or QQQ?
PJAN yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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