PMAY vs QQQ
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - May 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 | PMAY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $807M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.47% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.81% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.06% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.15% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PMAY vs QQQ Performance
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - May (PMAY) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PMAY returned +9.81% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, PMAY is up 6.47% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, PMAY compounded at +12.06% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.15% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +8.46%. 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 7.0% for PMAY. 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 -13.1% for PMAY 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMAY 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, PMAY currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PMAY or QQQ?
PMAY 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, PMAY or QQQ?
Over the past year PMAY returned +9.81% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PMAY annualized +8.46% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMAY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.0% for PMAY. Worst drawdown: PMAY -13.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PMAY and QQQ?
PMAY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMAY or QQQ?
PMAY yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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