QQQ vs RBUF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Innovator US Small Cap 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly
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 | RBUF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $97M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +7.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +12.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -11.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 1, 2024 |
QQQ vs RBUF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Innovator US Small Cap 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (RBUF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while RBUF returned +12.30%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 7.99% for RBUF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.0% for RBUF. 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 -11.4% for RBUF. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RBUF 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 RBUF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RBUF?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RBUF 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 RBUF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +12.30% for RBUF, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +11.47% for RBUF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RBUF?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.0% for RBUF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RBUF -11.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RBUF?
QQQ and RBUF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RBUF?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RBUF yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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