QQQ vs TRFM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs AAM Transformers ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. TRFM delivered stronger 1-year returns. TRFM offers more diversification with 246 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TRFM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $274M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.14% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 246 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +23.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +38.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +30.04% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 24.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -28.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 11, 2022 |
QQQ vs TRFM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while TRFM returned +38.00%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 23.85% for TRFM.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +30.04% for TRFM. Across the full 4-year window we track, TRFM has the edge at +25.58% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 24.1% for TRFM. 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 -28.4% for TRFM. 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 0.92. 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 TRFM charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $49 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.14% for TRFM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TRFM share 53 holdings out of 360 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TRFM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TRFM charges 0.49%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TRFM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +38.00% for TRFM, so TRFM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +25.58% for TRFM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TRFM?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.1% for TRFM. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TRFM -28.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TRFM?
QQQ and TRFM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TRFM?
QQQ and TRFM share 53 common holdings with a 21.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 360 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TRFM?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TRFM yields 0.14%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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