PJUL vs QQQ
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - July 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 | PJUL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.67% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.22% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.58% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 7, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PJUL vs QQQ Performance
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - July (PJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PJUL returned +11.22% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PJUL is up 6.67% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PJUL compounded at +13.34% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.58% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.95%. 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 PJUL. 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 -18.2% for PJUL 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PJUL 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, PJUL currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PJUL or QQQ?
PJUL 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, PJUL or QQQ?
Over the past year PJUL returned +11.22% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PJUL annualized +8.95% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PJUL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.4% for PJUL. Worst drawdown: PJUL -18.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PJUL and QQQ?
PJUL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PJUL or QQQ?
PJUL yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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