QQQ vs RB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RB offers more diversification with 1950 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.58% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $1M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.28% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,963 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +7.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +16.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -2.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 24, 2025 |
QQQ vs RB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF (RB) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while RB returned +16.39%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 7.62% for RB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.0% for RB. 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 -2.1% for RB. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RB charges 0.58%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $58 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 2.28% for RB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RB share 1 holdings out of 2052 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in RB | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XEL | 0.22% | 0.03% | 0.19% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RB charges 0.58%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +16.39% for RB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +15.45% for RB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.0% for RB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RB -2.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RB?
QQQ and RB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RB?
QQQ and RB share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2052 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while RB yields 2.28%, so RB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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