QHDG vs QQQ
Innovator Hedged Nasdaq-100 ETF 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 | QHDG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.47% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.28% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QHDG vs QQQ Performance
Innovator Hedged Nasdaq-100 ETF (QHDG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QHDG returned +10.28% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QHDG is up 1.47% 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 8.8% for QHDG. 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 -15.3% for QHDG 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QHDG 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, QHDG currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QHDG and QQQ share 91 holdings out of 112 unique holdings combined, representing a 85.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QHDG or QQQ?
QHDG 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, QHDG or QQQ?
Over the past year QHDG returned +10.28% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QHDG annualized +10.58% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QHDG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.8% for QHDG. Worst drawdown: QHDG -15.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QHDG and QQQ?
QHDG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QHDG and QQQ?
QHDG and QQQ share 91 common holdings with a 85.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QHDG or QQQ?
QHDG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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