PSTP vs QQQ
Innovator Power Buffer Step Up Strategy ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, PSTP or QQQ?
Long-Short Strategy against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSTP | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $132M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 12 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +5.65% | +17.21%Best |
| 1Y Return | +7.96% | +22.10%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +25.27%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.60% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2%Best | 21.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -12.5%Best | -29.6% |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $14,598 | $22,673Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Long-Short Strategy | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 8, 2022 to Sep 17, 2026 (4.5 years).
PSTP vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.5 years both funds cover.
PSTP vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Power Buffer Step Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PSTP returned +7.96% while QQQ returned +22.10%. Year to date, PSTP is up 5.65% versus a gain of 17.21% for QQQ.
Over three years, PSTP compounded at +11.12% per year against +25.27% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% compared with 8.2% for PSTP. 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 -12.5% for PSTP and -29.6% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
PSTP charges 0.89% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $18 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSTP currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of PSTP and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSTP or QQQ?
PSTP has an expense ratio of 0.89% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $71 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, PSTP or QQQ?
Over the past year PSTP returned +7.96% vs +22.10% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, PSTP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 8.2% for PSTP. Worst drawdown: PSTP -12.5% vs QQQ -29.6%.
Should I hold both PSTP and QQQ?
PSTP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSTP or QQQ?
PSTP yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than PSTP?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.