QQQ vs QTJA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January
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 | QQQ | QTJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $21M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +12.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +20.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +17.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -36.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 31, 2021 |
QQQ vs QTJA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January (QTJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while QTJA returned +20.22%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 12.97% for QTJA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +17.93% for QTJA. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +5.89%. 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 17.2% for QTJA. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -36.1% for QTJA. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QTJA charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $79 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for QTJA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or QTJA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QTJA charges 0.79%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QTJA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +20.22% for QTJA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +5.89% for QTJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QTJA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.2% for QTJA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QTJA -36.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QTJA?
QQQ and QTJA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QTJA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QTJA yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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