QQQ vs RDTY

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQRDTYWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%1.73%
AUM$455.8B$31M
Dividend Yield0.41%43.62%
Holdings1084
YTD Return+18.31%+19.70%
1Y Return+25.37%+24.64%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.79%-
5Y Return (annualized)+15.20%-
Volatility (annualized)30.6%15.1%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-16.2%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)YieldMax ETF
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionMar 10, 1999Mar 5, 2025

QQQ vs RDTY Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and YieldMax Russell 2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (RDTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while RDTY returned +24.64%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 19.70% for RDTY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.1% for RDTY. 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 -16.2% for RDTY. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RDTY charges 1.73%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $173 annually, a gap of $155 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 43.62% for RDTY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and RDTY share 0 holdings out of 104 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or RDTY?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RDTY charges 1.73%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $155 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or RDTY?

Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +24.64% for RDTY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +32.21% for RDTY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or RDTY?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.1% for RDTY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RDTY -16.2%.

Should I hold both QQQ and RDTY?

QQQ and RDTY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RDTY?

QQQ and RDTY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RDTY?

QQQ yields 0.41% while RDTY yields 43.62%, so RDTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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