QQQ vs SEPT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs AllianzIM US Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF
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 | SEPT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.74% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +8.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +15.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +15.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 7.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -12.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | AllianzIM | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 31, 2023 |
QQQ vs SEPT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and AllianzIM US Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF (SEPT) is a ETF from AllianzIM. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SEPT returned +15.30%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 8.92% for SEPT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +15.39% for SEPT. Across the full 3-year window we track, SEPT has the edge at +15.39% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 7.8% for SEPT. 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 -12.8% for SEPT. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SEPT charges 0.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $74 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for SEPT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SEPT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SEPT charges 0.74%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SEPT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +15.30% for SEPT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +15.39% for SEPT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SEPT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.8% for SEPT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SEPT -12.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SEPT?
QQQ and SEPT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SEPT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SEPT yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.